Evaluation of Nutritional Risk in Hospitalized OncohematologicPatients

Abstract

Introduction: Early diagnosis of nutritional risk may improve the prognosis of oncohaematological patients. Objective: To describe the nutritional status and to evaluate the nutritional risk factors in oncohaematological patients of a tertiary university hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará. Method: This cross-sectional study included 127 patients hospitalized. Clinical and demographic diagnostic data were selected through chart analysis. The nutritional status was elaborated by body mass index (BMI), arm circumference (AC) and by the application of the nutritional risk screening (NRS-2002). Results: Due to the different parameters, there were differences in nutritional status. The majority of the presentation criteria were NRS-2002 70.1% (n=89), followed by the AC 33.9% (n=43) and the BMI 8.7% (n=11). There was a significant positive correlation between BMI and age [r=0.313, p<0.001] and AC [r=0.846, p<0.001]. There was a significant association between NRS-2002≥3 and BMI<18.5 kg/m² (p=0.023); NRS-2002≥3 and AC classified as malnutrition (p=0.001); BMI<18.5 kg/m² and AC classified as malnutrition; and reside in urban areas and present adequate AC (p=0.023). Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of nutritional risk, as well as a significant association between nutritional risk and low BMI, AC and to reside in rural areas. Thus, there is a need to use a combination of indicators to diagnose the nutritional status of these patients in a more precise and early manner.