Micronutrient Deficiency Following Esophagectomy for Cancer of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

Objectives: For those patients who achieve long-term survival following esophagectomy, altered digestion and malabsorption may lead to a range of adverse gastrointestinal sequelae, including micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of specific micronutrient deficiencies in patients following esophagectomy. Methods: Levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, zinc and calcium were measured in a single non-fasting blood sample in patients who has undergone esophagectomy. Findings were compared to both patients who had undergone gastrectomy and an age matched Western control population. Results: Forty-Four patients (33 male, 65.5 ± 10.2 yrs) a median of 26 months (IQR 12-46) following either two or three stage esophagectomy were recruited. Deficiency in one or more micronutrients was observed in 64% of patients who underwent esophagectomy. Micronutrients most commonly deficient following esophagectomy were vitamin D (21%), vitamin B12 (32%), ferritin (16%) and zinc (25%). Compared to patients who underwent gastrectomy, levels of vitamin B12 and red cell folate were significantly lower, and levels of vitamin E were significantly higher in the blood of patients following esophagetomy. Compared to a Western control population the mean levels of vitamins A, E, D and B12, ferritin and zinc were lower in patients following esophagectomy. Conclusion: Micronutrient deficiency is common after esophagectomy affecting two thirds of all patients. Regular screening of vitamin D, vitamin B12, ferritin and Zinc levels should be considered as well as prophylactic supplementation in this patient group to prevent deficiency.