Electrolytes and Nutritional Element Assessment among Iraqi Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cancer may lead to abnormalities in electrolyte levels and acid-base disturbances in affected patients that could be induced by the tumor itself or by chemotherapy treatment. Thus, early detection is vital to improve short-term outcome and quality of life. AIM: This study aims to assess the electrolyte and protein changes in cancer patients on chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study was carried out on 100 newly diagnosed patients with cancer in Al-Amal National Radiation Oncology Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, during the period from January 2019 to July 2019. An assessment of the studied samples was conducted as a baseline measure before receiving chemotherapy and after the third cycle of that treatment. Quantitative parameters included measurements of serum magnesium, calcium, sodium, chloride, potassium, zinc, Hb1Ac, total protein, and ferritin. Data analysis was carried out using Student’s t-test for variable levels. Level of significance of ≤0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The studied sample comprised 77 females (77%) and 23 males (23%). There were significant decreases in the levels of magnesium and zinc while no significant changes were noted in the levels of other electrolytes. On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in the level of proteins and a significant rise in HBA1c and ferritin. CONCLUSION: Cancer patients on chemotherapy regimens suffer from major changes in the levels of vitamins, elements, and neurotransmitter that affect their lifestyle, survival, and prognosis. Frequent regular monitoring of such changes is required to harvest a positive impact on the lifestyle of cancer patients lifestyle and their outcome.