Preliminary Characterization of Pediatric Oncology Patients Comparing Traditional Nutrition Assessment to Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment

Abstract

Study ObjectiveTo compare the Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment (SGNA) tool with traditional measures of nutritional status in a cohort of pediatric oncology patients.BackgroundSGNA has been validated in a number of pediatric populations our study aims to validate this tool in the pediatric oncology patient population.Methods: A Registered Dietitian (RD) performed traditional nutrition assessment which included medical history, dietary assessment, anthropometrics, biochemical markers of nutrition status, and body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance (BIA). SGNA included anthropometric data, adequacy of dietary intake, gastrointestinal issues that could alter nutrient intake, functional capacity, stress of metabolic disease and nutrition focused physical exam that looks for signs and symptoms of nutrient deficiency.Results: Preliminary findings on the first patients (n=4) assessed indicate that SGNA is consistent with traditional nutrition assessment tools. SGNA captures muscle wasting in patients at low and high percent body fat. Subject Albumin gm/dL PreAlbumin mg/dL CRP mg/dL BMI z‐score Upper Arm Muscle Area (%tile) %Body Fat SGNA Score #1 4.4 25.7 <0.3 ‐1.5 5‐10th 15.3 Normal #2 3.8 28.5 0.3 0.83 5‐10th 41.0 Normal #3 3.7 34.9 <0.3 1.36 75‐85th 36.2 Normal #4 4.2 31.2 <0.3 ‐0.7 10‐15th 32.3 Moderate ConclusionSGNA is a feasible non‐invasive nutrition assessment tool easily used in the clinical setting and was positively received by pediatric oncology patients. With training inter‐rater reliability is high. As subjects are enrolled we will be able to determine correlations between traditional measures of nutrition assessment and SGNA.Supported by the University of New Mexico Department of Pediatrics Research Allocation Committee