Alterations of taste in children with leukemia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Children with cancer frequently have poor nutritional status due, in part, to anorexia. Recent studies have shown a relationship between anorexia and changes in taste in adults with cancer, although taste changes have not been studied in pediatric patients. This study investigated taste acuity changes, the effects of chemotherapy, the effects of relapse or remission, and changes in food preferences and appetite in 26 children aged 5–10 years with acute lymphocyctic leukemia. Their taste acuity and food preferences were compared to 23 healthy children in the same age range. Detection and recognition thresholds were determined for the four taste qualities using the Henkin method; subjective data were obtained from a questionnaire designed by the researchers. The leukemic children had significantly higher detection thresholds for sweet and sour than healthy children, and significantly higher recognition thresholds for all four taste qualities. Although the effects of specific drugs could not be determined, taking drugs on the day of testing and within 7 days of testing appeared to affect taste. Significant differences in food preferences were found between the two groups, with the leukemic children disliking foods in the meat, fish, poultry food group, and salty foods. Although there was no difference in appetite as rated by the parents on a 5-point scale, the leukemic children did have to be coaxed to eat more frequently than the healthy group. The same differences might be found in other children with cancer, but more studies are needed to establish this. As knowledge of taste changes in children with cancer grows, the potential exists to improve their nutritional status through anticipatory guidance and nutritional counseling of parents. Properly educated parents could improve their child's diet, thereby improving their child's response to treatment, chance of survival, and quality of life.