Nutritional Status, Food Consumption and the Level of Physical Activity of Women with Post-Molar Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia: Case Reports

Abstract

Introduction: Post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (post- molar GTN) is a rare condition with high cure rates. However, the chemotherapeutic drug used for treatment can cause various side effects. Nutritional status, food intake, and physical activity can help reduce these effects. Therefore, this case reports aimed to evaluate the type of treatment, nutritional status, food intake, and physical activity, considering the scarcity of studies addressing these variables in patients with post-molar GTN. Case reports: Three women diagnosed with post- molar GTN between January 2023 and June 2024 were admitted to the oncology department of Hospital das Clínicas to begin chemotherapy. Data collection was performed before the therapy started (methotrexate and leucovorin administered every other day with a week-long rest interval). According to the nutritional status assessment, the patients were classified as overweight and obese, showing very high body fat percentage and low lean mass. Energy intake was above the recommended levels, while lipid and protein consumption was adequate, and carbohydrate intake was reduced. Regarding physical activity level, only one patient was classified as active. Conclusion: The patients’ nutritional status was characterized by overweight and obesity, elevated body fat, low muscle mass, caloric intake exceeding recommendations, adequate lipid and protein consumption, and reduced carbohydrate intake, in addition to physical inactivity.