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Research Paper | Pediatrics | Iraq | Volume 6 Issue 8, August 2017

Outcome Prediction of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Using Nutritional Backgrounds

Hayder H. Al-Momen | Husamuldeen H. Shallal | Sawsan S. Abbas

Abstract: In the developing world, where majority of children on earth live, malnourishment is a common problem. This may be related to a low socioeconomic status which have its distinctive print on therapeutic response and disease outcome. This study aimed to determine the effect of malnutrition as a prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) outcome. Children with ALL visiting pediatric oncology unit at Al-Kadhimiya Teaching Hospital in Baghdad/ Iraq, over a one year period, were followed up retrospectively for 2 years. Charts for Weight/Age, Height/Age, and Weight/Height were obtained, patients were divided into 2 groups, undernourished and well nourished. Out of total 55 patients, 26 (81.2 %), and 16 (84.2 %) cases of mal- and well-nourished respectively, reached a complete remission, which was not statistically significant. However, dead and relapsed cases during a 2- year follow up, were more frequent in malnourished population. Nutritional status was considered as an important prognostic factor affecting ALL children. An adequate and efficient management should include nutritional supplementation.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, nutritional status, and prognosis

Edition: Volume 6 Issue 8, August 2017,

Pages: 179 - 183