Use of subjective global assessment method in patients with tumors of pancreas, liver and biliary

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of malnutrition is frequent in oncology patients. The consequences of malnutrition include an increased risk of complications. decreased response and tolerance to oncological treatment, and decreased survival. ASPEN establishes a screening method to identify characteristics related to nutrition problems which aims to perform an appropriate nutritional assessment to identify patients at risk of malnutrition. Materials and methods: Prospective, descriptive study was carried out in 172 patients in department of digestive tract tumors at National Cancer Institute of Mexico were evaluated. To collect the data, the subjective Global Assessment generated by the patient was used. Results: There were 40% men and 60% female, the average age was 60 . The incidence of tumors reported 50% pancreatic cancer, 36% liver cancer, 22% bile ducts. 55% of patients had a weight loss> 10% in 6 months. 40% presented anorexia. Xerostomia and early satiety were the highest incidence with 57% and 48% respectively. In the VGS-GP 84% presented some degree of malnutrition, the type of cancer with highest incidence of malnutrition was pancreatic cancer with 86%, followed by liver cancer with 81%. Conclusion: Malnutrition is common in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Prevalence of malnutrition was high, this could be related to the symptomatology and reduction of the habitual consumption of the food. The subjective global assessment generated (VGS-GP) to identify patients At risk of malnutrition, this tool allows a timely nutritional intervention that can reduce the high incidence of this condition and possible secondary complications of malnutrition.