Assessment of nutritional status using objective and subjective methods in Greek patients with cancer

Abstract

Summary Purpose Malnutrition constitutes an important complication of cancer. Nutritional status is associated with the progression of malignant neoplasms. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients with cancer using objective and subjective assessment methods. Materials and methods The following validated questionnaires were used to assess the nutritional status of 152 patients with cancer recruited in Attica, Greece: Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ). Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was calculated, handgrip strength (HGS) test was carried out, and the arm circumference (MUAC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) were measured. Results Based on the PG-SGA assessment, 54.9% of the individuals were severely malnourished. Imminent risk was observed in 83.6% (NRS-2002) and 48.7% of participants were at increased risk of a 5% reduction in body weight within the next 6‑months (SNAQ). Severely malnourished patients experienced significant weight reduction in the 6 months prior to recruitment and had lower HGS and TSF. MUAC was similar within the PG-SGA categories. High risk for malnutrition was estimated for geriatric patients (GNRI: 46.45 [IQR: 5.17]). Malnourishment, based on PG-SGA, was positively associated with percent weight loss within the past 6 months and negatively associated with body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hgb), HGS, and MUAC (all p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The present study highlighted a high risk of malnutrition in patients with cancer. Poor nutritional status was positively associated with weight loss, Hgb, and MUAC and negatively associated with BMI, HGS, and TSF.