Revisiting nutritional support for allogeneic hematologic stem cell transplantation-a systematic review

Considerations for medical nutrition therapy management of the critically ill patient with hematological malignancies: A narrative review

Patients with hematological malignancies (HMs) are more frequently admitted now than in the past to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to more aggressive approaches in primary therapy of HMs and the need for critical care support. Pathophysiological alterations derived from HMs and the different hematological therapies, such as chemotherapy, negatively affect gastrointestinal (GI) function, metabolism, and nutrition status. Further, malnutrition strongly influences outcomes and tolerance of the different hematological therapies. In consequence, these critically ill patients frequently present with malnutrition and pathophysiological alterations that create challenges for the delivery of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in the ICU. Frequent screening, gauging tolerance, and monitoring nutrition status are mandatory to provide individualized MNT and achieve nutrition objectives. The present review discusses how HM impact GI function and nutrition status, the importance of MNT in patients with HM, and specific considerations for guidance in providing adequate MNT to these patients when admitted to the ICU.

Modern views of nutritional support in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have a higher risk of developing malnutrition. The aetiology is multifactorial and complex: the conditioning regimen causes damages to the gastrointestinal tract that can contribute to trigger graft-versus-host disease and/or infectious complications that adversely affect food intake and the gut absorption of nutrients in transplant recipients. Consequently, patients might develop weight loss and muscle wasting. There is mounting evidence that insufficient muscle mass increases the risk of toxicity to many chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, the screening for malnutrition, assessment and intervention can vary among HSCT centers. Hereby, we report the main nutritional clinical issues in the field of HSCT and the main nutritional tools used in this setting. Future clinical trials investigating nutritional tools and dose-escalating studies based on pre-treatment body composition assessment may help having the potential to alter cancer treatment paradigms.

Protein intake and requirements in children and adolescents undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT): An international benchmarking survey and a scoping review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

For children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), adequate protein and energy intake is essential to mitigate malnutrition risk. However, little is known about optimal requirements, including adequate dietary protein intake in this population. We conducted an international benchmarking survey and a scoping review to explore current practices in determining protein requirements (PR) and examine existing evidence for PR and dietary protein intake in pediatric HSCT.

METHODS

Twelve pediatric oncology centers were surveyed to elicit current practices in determining PR in pediatric HSCT. A scoping review then collected sources of evidence from six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and grey literature (Google Scholar).

RESULTS

Survey data revealed variable practices in determining PR for pediatric HSCT patients. Four centers (44%) used the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Nutrition Support in Pediatric Critically Ill Patient Guidelines 2009 and four (44%) used local guidelines or their national nutrient reference values (NRV). The scoping review included nineteen studies. The review highlighted a broad range of PR used in this population, ranging from 0.8 to 3.0 g/kg/d. Practices regarding the documentation and frequency of collecting protein intake data varied. Only five studies reported estimated protein requirement (EPR) status and just two studies met EPR. No clinical guidelines on PR in pediatric HSCT were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the existing gap in evidence, the optimal amount of protein required for children and adolescents undergoing HSCT remains unknown. To establish specific, evidence-based PR guidelines, comprehensive research is needed. Future investigations should prioritize evaluating current clinical practices, assessing the gap between actual protein intake and EPR, and understanding the relationship between protein intake, protein status, and the impact on treatment outcomes. Addressing these research priorities is crucial for bridging the current evidence gap, thereby enabling the development of enhanced and personalized nutritional support for children and adolescents undergoing HSCT.

Nutritional Support Best Practices in Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Patients: An Integrative Review

Nutrition is vital to the long-term survival of children undergoing blood and marrow transplantation (BMT), but there is no standardization on how to optimize the nutritional status of these patients. A literature search was performed to evaluate nutritional support approaches currently in practice for pediatric patients who are undergoing BMT. CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles evaluating nutritional interventions for BMT recipients aged 20 or younger. Nine articles published between 2019 and 2023 were found and reviewed. The nutritional support varied between enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, a combination of both, and prophylactic feeding tube placement. The post-transplant outcomes identified as associated with alterations in nutritional regimens included length of stay, date of platelet engraftment, incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease, infection rate, and overall survival. The use of any amount of enteral nutrition compared to parenteral alone was beneficial. Complications during BMT can potentially be decreased via prioritizing enteral nutrition over parenteral. The paucity of literature on this topic highlights an unmet need in the field. Future research should focus on ways to optimize the nutritional support of transplant recipients, including increasing the likelihood of enteral feeding tube placement and utilization.

Managing the Risk of Foodborne Infections in Pediatric Patients with Cancer: Is the Neutropenic Diet Still an Option?

Infections pose a significant threat to morbidity and mortality during treatments for pediatric cancer patients. Efforts to minimize the risk of infection necessitate preventive measures encompassing both environmental and host-focused strategies. While a substantial number of infections in oncologic patients originate from microorganisms within their native microbiological environment, such as the oral cavity, intestines, and skin, the concrete risk of bloodstream infections linked to the consumption of contaminated food and beverages in the community cannot be overlooked. Ensuring food quality and hygiene is essential to mitigating the impact of foodborne illnesses on vulnerable patients. The neutropenic diet (ND) has been proposed to minimize the risk of sepsis during neutropenic periods. The ND aims to minimize bacterial entry into the gut and bacterial translocation. However, a standardized definition for ND and consensus guidelines for specific food exclusions are lacking. Most centers adopt ND during neutropenic phases, but challenges in achieving caloric intake are common. The ND has not demonstrated any associated benefits and does not ensure improved overall survival. Consequently, providing unified and standardized food safety instructions is imperative for pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Despite the lack of evidence, ND is still widely administered to both pediatric and adult patients as a precautionary measure. This narrative review focuses on the impact of foodborne infections in pediatric cancer patients and the role of the ND in comparison to food safety practices in patients undergoing chemotherapy or HCT. Prioritizing education regarding proper food storage, preparation, and cooking techniques proves more advantageous than merely focusing on dietary limitations. The absence of standardized guidelines underscores the necessity for further research in this field.

Proactive enteral nutrition for patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation- implementation and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES

Nutrition support is frequently required post allogeneic haematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT) however the tolerance of enteral nutrition (EN) can vary. This mixed methods study aimed to explore staff perceptions, barriers and enablers to the use of EN post HPCT and report the implementation and outcomes of a nutrition protocol.

SUBJECT/ METHODS

A survey on barriers and enablers to the use of EN was developed and distributed to medical and nursing staff. Data on nutrition and clinical outcomes was collected for 12 months post implementation of a new nutrition protocol.

RESULTS

Thirty staff completed the survey, key barriers identified included uncertain EN tolerance, lack of confidence in nasogastric tube placement and insufficient training and resources. Eighty-four patients commenced EN, 23 changed to PN (27%) and 61 received EN only (73%). In total 36 patients received PN and eight patients oral nutrition support only. There was a difference in type of conditioning (p = 0.025) and nutritional status (p = 0.016) between patients who received PN vs EN only, with a higher proportion of malnourished patients receiving PN (23% vs 5%). Patients who received PN had a longer length of hospital stay (median 22 vs 19 days, p = 0.012) and lower rate of survival to day 100 (81% vs 95%, p = 0.036) than patients who received EN.

CONCLUSION

The use of EN may lead to improved clinical outcomes compared to PN therefore should be implemented as first line nutrition support.

[Influence of individualized dietary adaptation in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The ADITRAS study]

INTRODUCTION

the objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of an individualized dietary adaptation to achieve nutritional requirements in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODOLOGY

a pilot study of a nutritional intervention in patients undergoing HSCT. A nutritional assessment was performed the first 24 hours of admission and every 48-72 hours until discharge, or + 40 days after the transplant, making dietary adaptations.

RESULTS

25 patients were recruited. According to MUST, 92.0 % (n = 23) were well nourished at the initial visit, with a loss of 2.1 (3.8) kg and a BMI of 26.4 kg/m2 (4.2). Before HSCT, there was already a decrease in intake of 15.4 (23.5) % and in body weight of 0.2 (3.2) kg; after the HSCT, the weight loss was 3.4 (5.0) kg and the decrease in intake was 6.5 (30.4) %. The predominant symptoms were mucositis (60 %), nausea (60 %), and diarrhea (44 %). The diet was adapted in 100 % of the patients, 52 % received oral nutritional support (ONS) (n = 13); enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) were used only once.

CONCLUSION

the nutritional status of patients undergoing HSCT is normal on admission but deteriorates during transplantation and prior conditioning. Dietary intervention is key to maintaining oral intake and reducing the risk of malnutrition.

Enteral nutrition optimization program for children undergoing blood & marrow transplantation: A quality improvement project

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition in children and young adults undergoing blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) increases morbidity and mortality. Addressing this via optimization of enteral nutrition can potentially improve outcomes.

METHODS

This Quality Improvement project utilized pre-post-intervention design and post-intervention survey to evaluate a novel program optimizing enteral nutrition support in children undergoing BMT. All patients aged 0-18 who were admitted during the 16-week implementation period followed the Enteral Nutrition Optimization Program from pre-BMT through discharge. Data on biometric indicators, complications, and post-transplant milestone time markers were evaluated via Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact, and Chi-square tests as indicated using SPSS™ Version 27. A separate sample of clinical providers completed a post-intervention survey to evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of the intervention.

FINDINGS

Six patients received the intervention, with 12 patients evaluated. There were no statistical differences between groups on measured evaluations of weight loss (0.15 kg vs +0.4 kg, p = 0.39), malnutrition (2 vs 3, p = 0.545), graft-versus-host-disease (2 vs 2, p = 1), time to engraftment (platelets day 22 vs 20.5, p = 0.589), infections (p = 0.368), and length of stay (32.5 days vs 31 days, p = 1). The provider sample of 45 participants showed overall feasibility and acceptance of the intervention (88.9% agreed or strongly agreed).

DISCUSSION

Feasibility and acceptance were high, resulting in increased use of nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes. Though no clinical significance, interpretation is limited due to the small sample size.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Implementing a novel nutritional support program resulted in a culture shift towards enteral nutrition optimization. Further studies are needed to determine clinical impacts.

[Nutritional evolution during the early stages of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: importance of the phase angle]

INTRODUCTION

the aim of this study is to compare the changes in anthropometry, dynamometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of patients undergoing autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after the conditioning period and one-week post-transplantation, and to assess whether these early changes are associated with the development of later complications.

METHODS

prospective cohort study. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry, dynamometry and BIA at three different defined times: T1, time of admission; T2, after the myeloablative conditioning period; and T3, day + 8 post-HSCT.

RESULTS

forty patients were evaluated, 17 received autologous HSCT (TAU) and 23 received allogeneic HSCT (TAL). Patients with TAL had higher mortality and hospital stay compared to patients with TAU. Those who developed graft versus host disease (GVHD) presented a lower phase angle (PA) than those who did not develop this complication (T2: TAL PA with GVHD 4.8° vs TAL PA without GVHD 5.5°, p = 0.007). The patients who died during the hospital stay are all from the TAL group and had PA less than 5° at T3. Weight, body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (FMI) did not show a significant impact, and all of them were influenced by total body water.

CONCLUSIONS

early nutritional evaluation of these patients by phase angle seems promising, since it is not altered by water retention and can be evaluated before anthropometric changes occur.

Nonrestrictive diet does not increase infections during post-HSCT neutropenia: data from a multicenter randomized trial

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality during neutropenia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The use of a low-microbial protective diet (PD) in the peritransplantation period is a standard of care, although its efficacy has never been tested prospectively. We conducted a multicenter, randomized, noninferiority trial, enrolling all consecutive adult patients undergoing high-dose induction chemotherapy or HSCT with the objective to compare nonrestrictive diet (NRD) vs PD. Overall, 222 patients were enrolled, randomly assigned, and analyzed. One hundred seventy-five subjects (79%) received autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT), 41 (18%) received allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT), and 6 (3%) patients received high-dose induction chemotherapy. There was no significant difference in terms of incidence of grade ≥2 infections and death during neutropenia in the 2 arms. In multivariable analysis, only multiple myeloma diagnosis, fluoroquinolone prophylaxis, and the absence of mucositis were associated with a lower incidence of grade ≥2 infections. We did not report any significant variation in terms of hospitalization length, incidence of mucositis and gastrointestinal infections, body weight, and serum albumin variations in the 2 arms. In allo-HSCT recipients, the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease grade ≥3 was similar. NRD was associated with higher patient-reported satisfaction. In conclusion, NRD is not inferior to a traditional PD during neutropenia after HSCT, and our results demonstrated that implementing a restrictive diet unnecessary burdens patients' quality of life. The clinical trial was registered prospectively in the clinical trial registry of the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori of Milan as INT54/16.

Medical nutrition therapy during intensive remission-induction treatment and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia patients: Hematologists' experiences and perspectives

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The European Societies for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) recommend enteral nutrition (EN) as the first-choice medical nutrition therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients undergoing intensive treatments, including high-dose remission-induction chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, parenteral nutrition (PN) remains the preferred method of nutrition support in current clinical practice. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain insight into hematologists' experiences and perspectives regarding the choice and ESPEN/EBMT recommendations on EN versus PN.

METHODS

Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with one hematologist from each of the 21 hospitals offering intensive AML treatments in the Netherlands, using Microsoft Teams. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using Atlas. ti. One hundred nineteen hematologists working in the same hospitals were invited to complete a short online questionnaire survey (SurveyMonkey®) regarding their knowledge and opinion on the ESPEN/EBMT guidelines recommending EN over PN during intensive AML treatments. The results of this survey are presented in a descriptive way.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine hematologists participated in this study (42% overall response rate), of which 21 in the semi-structured interviews (response rate 100%) and 38 in the online survey (response rate 32%). Hematologists considered medical nutrition therapy important for prevention and treatment of malnutrition and associated adverse outcomes in AML patients undergoing intensive remission-induction treatment and HSCT. However, opposed to the ESPEN/EBMT guidelines, the vast majority of hematologists were hesitant or reluctant to use EN instead of PN as the first-choice medical nutrition therapy in these patients. The most frequently cited barriers to use EN were the expected low feasibility and tolerance of EN, feeding tube-related discomfort and bleeding risk, and patient refusal. Other barriers to follow the guidelines on EN were related to personal factors, including hematologists' knowledge (lack of awareness and familiarity) and attitude (lack of agreement, outcome expectancy, experience, success, motivation, and learning culture), guideline-related factors (lack of evidence and applicability), and external factors (lack of collaboration and resources). Facilitators included strategies for nutrition education and dissemination of nutritional guidelines, interprofessional and patient collaboration, availability of feeding tubes that can be inserted without endoscopy and stronger scientific evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Hematologists recognized the importance of medical nutrition therapy for reducing malnutrition and related negative outcomes during intensive AML treatments. However, contrary to the ESPEN/EBMT guidelines, they preferred PN instead of EN as the medical nutrition therapy of first choice. To reduce compliance barriers, interventions should focus on improving hematologists' knowledge of medical nutrition therapy and dietary guidelines, enhancing success rates of EN by adequately triaging patients eligible for EN and inserting duodenal feeding tubes using an electromagnetic sensing device without endoscopy, developing decision aids and multidisciplinary guidelines and care pathways. Furthermore, future trials should focus on the feasibility and benefits of EN versus PN both during remission-induction treatment and HSCT.

The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) roadmap and perspectives to improve nutritional care in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on behalf of the Cellular Therapy and Immunobiology Working Party (CTIWP) and the Nurses Group (NG) of the EBMT

Malnutrition is the most common comorbidity during the continuum of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and negatively impacts clinical outcomes, response to therapy, quality of life, and costs. The intensive conditioning regimen administered before transplant causes inflammatory damages to the gastrointestinal system, which themselves contribute to trigger graft versus host disease (GvHD) in the allogeneic setting. GvHD and other post-transplant complications such as infections adversely affect food intake and gut absorption of nutrients. Consequently, patients exhibit signs of malnutrition such as weight loss and muscle wasting, thus triggering a "vicious circle" that favours additional complications. Among HSCT centres, there is marked variability in nutritional care, from screening for malnutrition to nutritional intervention. The present paper, elaborated by the Cellular Therapy and Immunobiology Working Party and the Nurses Group of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, aims at defining a roadmap that identifies the main nutritional critical issues in the field of HSCT. This document will be propaedeutic to the development of clinical algorithms to counteract risk factors of malnutrition, based on scientific evidence and shared among HSCT centres, and thus maximize transplant outcomes.

The Critical Exploration into Current Evidence behind the Role of the Nutritional Support in Adult Patients Who Undergo Haematogenic Stem Cell Transplantation

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment option for many haematological conditions in patients of all ages. Nutritional support is important at each stage of treatment, but particular nutritional needs and dictated support occur during the preparatory (conditioning regimen) and post-transplant periods. Patients may require nutritional treatment by the enteral or parenteral route. The quantitative and qualitative composition of meals may change. Vitamin requirements, including vitamin D and vitamin C, might also be different. An adequately composed diet, adapted to the needs of the patient, may influence the occurrence of complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), gastrointestinal disorders, infections, and reduced survival time. Haematological diseases as well as transplantation can negatively affect the intestinal flora, with negative consequences in the form of mucosal inflammation and disorders of a functional nature. Currently, aspects related to nutrition are crucial in the care of patients after HSCT, and numerous studies, including randomized trials on these aspects, are being conducted. This study serves the critical analysis of current scientific evidence regarding nutritional support for patients after HSCT.

Impact of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy on pediatric bone marrow transplantation outcomes: Retrospectice single-center cohort study

BACKGROUND

Parenteral nutrition is commonly used to ensure nutrition support and prevent the harmful effects of malnutrition, which frequently occurs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). Nevertheless, enteral nutrition supports the restoration of the gut barrier and microbiome as well as protects against infectious complications and acute graft-vs-host disease. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) may also be beneficial for gastric decompression and drug administration.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of PEG on treatment outcomes in 75 children who underwent aHSCT with (n = 34) or without (n = 41) PEG from 2005 to 2016.

RESULTS

In 34 patients, PEG was used to ensure enteral nutrition support (n = 30), oral drug intake (n = 28), and abdominal decompression (n = 2). During the study period, we observed a beneficial association between PEG placement and transplant-related mortality as well as 5-year overall survival compared with the non-PEG group (12.9% vs 59.0%, P = 0.000; 85.3% vs 35.1%, P = 0.000, respectively). The beneficial impact of PEG was most prominent on 5-year overall survival in older children (12-17 years) with grafts from matched unrelated donors.

CONCLUSIONS

PEG placement had a positive association with transplant outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing aHSCT. To confirm these results, larger prospective studies are needed.

The association between nutritional risk index and ICU outcomes across hematologic malignancy patients with acute respiratory failure

Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) are at risk of acute respiratory failure (ARF). Malnutrition, a common association with HM, has the potential to influence ICU outcomes. Geriatric nutritional risk index (G-NRI) is a score derived from albumin and weight, which reflects risk of protein-energy malnutrition. We evaluated the association between G-NRI at ICU admission and ICU mortality in HM patients with ARF. We conducted a single center retrospective study of ventilated HM patients between 2014 and 2018. We calculated G-NRI for all patients using their ICU admission albumin and weight. Our primary outcome was ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes included duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. Two hundred eighty patients were admitted to the ICU requiring ventilation. Median age was 62 years (IQR 51-68), 42% (n = 118) were females, and median SOFA score was 11 (IQR 9-14). The most common type of HM was acute leukemia (54%) and 40% underwent hematopoietic cell transplant. Median G-NRI was 87 (IQR 79-99). ICU mortality was 51% (n = 143) with a median duration of ventilation of 4 days (IQR 2-7). Mortality across those at severe malnutrition (NRI < 83.5) was 59% (65/111) compared to 46% (76/164) across those with moderate-no risk (p = 0.047). On multivariable analysis, severe NRI (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.04-5.27, p = 0.04) was significantly associated with ICU mortality. In this single center, exploratory study, severe G-NRI was prognostic of ICU mortality in HM patients admitted with respiratory failure.

Prognostic value of the nutritional risk index in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

The nutritional risk index (NRI), which is based on weight and albumin levels, is closely associated with the prognosis of many cancers. However, its prognostic value has not been investigated in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). We aimed to assess the association between the NRI and survival outcomes in patients with NDMM. We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical and laboratory data from patients with NDMM between 2005 and 2019 at our center. Patients were stratified into the high NRI (> 89) and low NRI (≤ 89) groups for prognostic analysis. The NRI and other variables were also explored to evaluate their prognostic value for overall survival (OS). A total of 638 patients diagnosed with NDMM were retrospectively included. Patients in the high NRI group had a significantly better median OS than those in the low NRI group (64 months vs 43 months, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, a high NRI was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio, 0.758; 95% confidence interval, 0.587-0.977; p = 0.033). Age, performance status, transplant status, and lactate dehydrogenase level were also independent prognostic factors for OS. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the NRI is a simple and useful predictor of survival outcomes in patients with NDMM.

The emerging role of nutritional support in the supportive care of pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT) represents a potentially curative strategy for many oncological, hematological, metabolic, and immunological diseases in children. The continuous effort in ameliorating supportive care represents one of the cornerstones in the improvement of outcome in these patients. Nowadays, more than ever nutritional support can be considered a key feature. Oral feeding in the early post-transplant period is severely impaired because of mucositis due to conditioning regimen, characterized by, mainly by vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal acute graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD), infections and associated treatments, and other medications, such as opioids and calcineurin inhibitors, have also been correlated with decreased oral intake. The consequent reduction in caloric intake combined with the catabolic effect of therapies and transplantation-related complications with consequent extended immobilization, results in a rapid deterioration of nutritional status, which is associated with decreased overall survival and higher complication rates during treatment. Thus, nutritional support during the early post-transplantation period becomes an essential and challenging issue for allo-HSCT recipients. In this context, the role of nutrition in the modulation of the intestinal flora is also emerging as a key player in the pathophysiology of the main complications of HSCT. The pediatric setting is characterized by less evidence, considering the challenge of addressing nutritional needs in this specific population, and many questions are still unanswered. Thus, we perform a narrative review regarding all aspects of nutritional support in pediatric allo-HSCT recipients, addressing the assessment of nutritional status, the relationship between nutritional status and clinical outcomes and the evaluation of the nutritional support, ranging from specific diets to artificial feeding.

Nutritional modulation of the gut microbiome in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) represents a potentially curative strategy for many oncological and non-oncological diseases, but it is associated with marked morbidity and mortality. The disruption of gut microbiota (GM) eubiosis has been linked to major allo-HSCT complications, including infections and acute graft vs. host disease (aGvHD), and correlates with mortality. This increasing knowledge on the role of the GM in the allo-HSCT procedure has led to fascinating ideas for modulating the intestinal ecosystem in order to improve clinical outcomes. Nutritional strategies, either by changing the route of nutritional supplementation or by administering specific molecules, are increasingly being considered as cost- and risk-effective methods of modulating the GM. Nutritional support has also emerged in the past several years as a key feature in supportive care for allo-HSCT recipients, and deterioration of nutritional status is associated with decreased overall survival and higher complication rates during treatment. Herein we provide a complete overview focused on nutritional modulation of the GM in allo-HSCT recipients. We address how pre transplant diet could affect GM composition and its ability to withstand the upsetting events occurring during transplantation. We also provide a complete overview on the influence of the route of nutritional administration on the intestinal ecosystem, with a particular focus on the comparison between enteral and parenteral nutrition (PN). Moreover, as mounting evidence are showing how specific components of post-transplant diet, such as lactose, could drastically shape the GM, we will also summarize the role of prebiotic supplementation in the modulation of the intestinal flora and in allo-HSCT outcomes.

The outcome and complications of total parenteral nutrition in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Nutritional support posthematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or nasogastric tube feeding (NGT) in pediatric patients is associated with benefits and risks.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the indication of TPN use in our pediatric HSCT patients and its impact on survival and possible related complications.

RESULTS

A total of 228 HSCTs were performed during the study period. TPN was used in 144 patients (63.2%) for a median of 14 days, while 8.8% had NGT feeding and 28% were able to tolerate oral feeding. Severe mucositis was seen in 104 TPN patients (72.2%) in comparison with 22 patients (26.2%) who were on Enteral Nutrition (EN) (p = <.001). Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) was seen in 19 (13.2%) patients who had TPN compared to none in the patients who received EN (p = .001). The majority of patients who had SOS received myeloablative conditioning (MAC) therapy for hemoglobinopathy. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was seen in 24.8% of TPN patients and 9.1% of non-TPN patients (p = .01). However, there were no statistically significant differences in chronic GVHD, bacteremia, and patients' survival between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TPN is commonly used after pediatric HSCT in cases of severe mucositis. NGT feeding was found to be the least used nutritional support method. SOS and aGVHD were associated more frequently in TPN patients compared to EN patients. This suggests the possible disadvantages of TPN and importance of SOS preventative measures in high-risk patients.

Nutrition-related problems, nutritional support practices and barriers to adherence to nutritional guidelines during intensive treatment for acute myeloid leukemia: Patients' and hematology nurses' perspectives and experiences

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The updated guidelines of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) on nutrition in intensively treated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients recommend enteral nutrition (EN) instead of parenteral nutrition (PN) as the first-choice medical nutrition therapy. Despite this, PN remains the preferred route of nutrition administration in daily practice. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain insight into the patients' and hematology nurses' experiences and perceptions regarding nutritional problems and nutritional support and the reasons for the low adherence to the ESPEN/EBMT guidelines.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 23 patients from various Dutch hospitals who had completed intensive AML treatment. Interviews with 22 patients were audio-recorded and transcribed, one interview was summarized. The transcripts and summary were thematically analyzed using Atlas.ti. From each of the 22 Dutch hospitals providing intensive AML treatment, one hematology nurse participated in a telephone questionnaire survey. The results of this survey are presented in a descriptive way.

RESULTS

Nutritional problems were a major source of distress in most participating patients. Nutritional support often led to peace of mind and less concerns, provided that there were no conflicting nutritional support practices among treating hospitals. Patients perceived PN and EN as a life-line and necessary for the prevention of or recovery from physical decline, but they also experienced loss of independence, limited mobility, fear of unwanted body weight gain and problems related to the feeding equipment. Both patients and hematology nurses regarded PN as an easy method of nutrition administration, while EN was often seen as a necessary evil or was even refused by patients, owing to tube-related physical discomfort and EN intolerance. Both patients' and hematology nurses' reluctance to administer EN proved to be barriers to the ESPEN/EBMT nutritional guideline adherence. Among the surveyed hematology nurses, barriers to adherence included personal factors related to their knowledge (lack of awareness) and attitudes (negative outcome expectancy and lack of agreement), guideline-related factors (lack of evidence) and external factors (lack of collaboration).

CONCLUSION

Individualized nutritional support, including EN and PN, may reduce nutrition-related distress in intensively treated AML patients, provided that conflicting nutritional support practices among hospitals are avoided or explained. The barriers to adherence to the ESPEN/EBMT guidelines on EN and PN in this patient group may be reduced by enhancing hematology nurses' awareness and knowledge of the guidelines, incorporating the guidelines into multidisciplinary clinical pathways, improving outcome of EN by proper triage of patients eligible for EN and increasing the level of evidence of the guidelines.

The Insider: Impact of the Gut Microbiota on Cancer Immunity and Response to Therapies in Multiple Myeloma

The human microbiota is a unique set of microorganisms colonizing the human body and evolving within it from the very beginning. Acting as an insider, the microbiota provides nutrients, and mutualistically interacts with the host’s immune system, thus contributing to the generation of barriers against pathogens. While a strong link has been documented between intestinal dysbiosis (i.e., disruption to the microbiota homeostasis) and diseases, the mechanisms by which commensal bacteria impact a wide spectrum of mucosal and extramucosal human disorders have only partially been deciphered. This is particularly puzzling for multiple myeloma (MM), a treatable but incurable neoplasia of plasma cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and lead to end-organ damage. Here we revise the most recent literature on data from both the bench and the bedside that show how the gut microbiota modulates cancer immunity, potentially impacting the progression of asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering MM (SMM) to full blown MM. We also explore the effect of the gut microbiome on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, immunomodulating therapy and cancer immunotherapy in MM patients. Additionally, we identify the most cogent area of investigation that have the highest chance to delineate microbiota-related and pathobiology-based parameters for patient risk stratification. Lastly, we highlight microbiota-modulating strategies (i.e., diet, prebiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation and postbiotics) that may reduce treatment-related toxicity in patients affected by MM as well as the rates of undertreatment of SMM patients.

Cachectic muscle wasting in acute myeloid leukaemia: a sleeping giant with dire clinical consequences

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a haematological malignancy with poor survival odds, particularly in the older (>65 years) population, in whom it is most prevalent. Treatment consists of induction and consolidation chemotherapy to remit the cancer followed by potentially curative haematopoietic cell transplantation. These intense treatments are debilitating and increase the risk of mortality. Patient stratification is used to mitigate this risk and considers a variety of factors, including body mass, to determine whether a patient is suitable for any or all treatment options. Skeletal muscle mass, the primary constituent of the body lean mass, may be a better predictor of patient suitability for, and outcomes of, AML treatment. Yet skeletal muscle is compromised by a variety of factors associated with AML and its clinical treatment consistent with cachexia, a life-threatening body wasting syndrome. Cachectic muscle wasting is associated with both cancer and anticancer chemotherapy. Although not traditionally associated with haematological cancers, cachexia is observed in AML and can have dire consequences. In this review, we discuss the importance of addressing skeletal muscle mass and cachexia within the AML clinical landscape in view of improving survivability of this disease.

Reliability and validity of ultrasound to measure of muscle mass following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients frequently show physical dysfunction due to loss of muscle mass. This study aimed to clarify the reliability and validity of ultrasound in evaluating muscle mass and to analyze the patterns of change in muscle mass before and after allo-HSCT. We conducted a prospective observational study using data from 68 patients who had undergone their first allo-HSCT. We evaluated the thickness of the quadriceps, biceps, and suprahyoid muscle. Three individual evaluators underwent this examination for each muscle before transplantation and on days 30, 90, and 180 after allo-HSCT. Inter-rater reliability was calculated using the interclass correlation (ICC), and the level of correlation between muscle mass measured by ultrasound and psoas muscle mass assessed using computed tomography (CT) was assessed using Pearson correlation. ICC values ranged from 0.897 to 0.977 in the measurement. The correlation scores were 0.730, 0.546 and 0.579 between psoas muscle and the biceps, quadriceps, and suprahyoid muscle. The thickness of the biceps and quadriceps muscle were both significantly decreased after allo-HSCT from baseline. These results showed that the ultrasound technique was a reliable tool for evaluating muscle mass and detecting changes in muscle mass following allo-HSCT.

Vitamin requirements during stem cell transplantation: a systematic review

Patients undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT) are at high risk of malnutrition during the acute post-transplantation period. This systematic review aimed to collate and analyse the evidence for vitamin requirements post-SCT. A systematic search of five databases was conducted to include studies published until March 2021. The review utilised the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework. Inclusion criteria consisted of adults undergoing SCT who received vitamin supplementation or had their vitamin levels monitored up to 100 days post-SCT. Studies with paediatric patients or those that looked at vitamin derivates such as folinic acid were excluded. Main outcomes included vitamin deficiency and relevant clinical outcomes. Eleven studies (n = 11) were eligible for inclusion with five rated as neutral quality and six as positive quality. Five studies focused on allogenic SCT, two on autologous SCT and the remaining included a mix of both. Eight studies monitored vitamins levels post-SCT, and seven studies provided vitamin supplementation. Three studies (one provided supplementation) found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (23-60%) prior to SCT. Findings indicate an unclear association between vitamin deficiency and post-SCT complications including acute graft-versus-host-disease, oral mucositis, and mortality. The GRADE certainty of evidence across these outcomes was low or very low. It is unclear if supplementation is needed during SCT, though assessing vitamin D levels prior to transplant should be considered. Further large observational studies or randomised control trials are required to establish vitamin requirements and guide supplementation protocols during SCT.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: children and adolescents

The Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Children and Adolescents was developed by dietitians, physicians, and pediatric hematologists from 10 Brazilian reference centers in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The aim was to emphasize the importance of nutritional status and body composition during treatment, as well as the main characteristics related to patient´s nutritional assessment. This consensus is intended to improve and standardize nutrition therapy during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The consensus was approved by the Brazilian Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Concentrations of Insulin-like Growth Factors and Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Proteins and Respective Gene Expressions in Children before and after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBP-1 to -7) are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation and may be associated with various metabolic parameters. The aim of our study was to compare levels of IGFs and IGFBPs and the expressions of their genes in children before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to assess their potential as markers of late metabolic complications of HSCT. We also conducted additional comparisons with healthy controls and of correlations of IGF and IGFBP levels with anthropometric and biochemical parameters. We analyzed 19 children treated with HSCT and 21 healthy controls. We found no significant differences in the levels of IGFs and IGFBPs and expressions of their genes before and after HSCT, while IGF and IGFBP levels were significantly lower in children treated with HSCT compared with controls. We conclude that our results did not reveal significant differences between the levels of IGFs and IGFBPs before and after HSCT, which would make them obvious candidates for markers of late complications of the procedure in children. However, due to the very low number of patients this conclusion must be taken with caution and may be altered by further research.

Nutritional support practices and opinions toward gastrostomy use in pediatric bone marrow transplant centers: A national survey

OBJECTIVE

Previous surveys have shown deviations in nutritional practices from international guidelines during bone marrow transplant (BMT). Guidelines recommend enteral nutrition first-line and nasogastric tubes are the mainstay for its provision. Gastrostomies provide an alternative, yet their use is less common. This national survey investigated nutrition support practices in pediatric allogeneic BMT centers and compared clinicians' opinions on gastrostomy use. The aim of this study was to identify the national picture of nutritional support practices across pediatric allogeneic BMT centers, including use and opinions of dietitians, clinical nurse specialists, and physicians, toward gastrostomy feeding.

METHODS

An online survey was administered to 12 centers. The lead dietitian answered questions regarding nutritional counseling, screening, assessment, and interventions. Questions regarding current use, perceived advantages, and problems of gastrostomies were answered by the dietitian, lead clinical nurse specialist, and physician.

RESULTS

A 100% response rate was achieved from 12 centers (N = 36 clinicians). Nutritional counseling was provided in 92% of centers before and routinely throughout admission, 83% screened on and regularly throughout admission, 83% assessed nutritional status before transplant, and 92% used enteral nutrition first-line. Forty-two percent of the centers used gastrostomies. In those not using gastrostomies, 76% of clinicians felt some children should be offered a gastrostomy. Clinicians perceived less displacements (78%) and cosmetic appearance (69%) as the most common advantages of gastrostomies over nasogastric tubes. Risks associated with surgery (92%) and tube/stoma complications (58%) were the most common perceived problems.

CONCLUSIONS

A similar approach was shown on many aspects of nutritional support. Gastrostomy use divided opinion with differences in use and perceived advantages, but agreement on potential complications. Despite their risks, clinicians wanted to use gastrostomies more. Placement requires careful consideration of the risks, benefits, and family preferences.

Overview of nutritional approach in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: COVID-19 update

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a high-risk procedure. The novelty of COVID-19 has created more uncertainty during all phases of HSCT. It is thought that HSCT patients taking immunosuppressive agents are more likely to contract COVID-19 than healthy individuals are. Appropriate care precautions should be taken with patients undergoing HSCT to minimize the risk of COVID-19, and appropriate treatment methods must be followed in patients infected with COVID-19. Malnutrition has become a significant problem in HSCT patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The causes of malnutrition in HSCT patients are multifactorial. However, the most important reason is the decrease in energy and nutrient intake. The HSCT procedure can lead to many complications such as dysgeusia, mucositis, diarrhea, constipation, xerostomia and vomiting/nausea. Improving the nutritional status of HSCT patients by managing each of these special complications with an appropriate nutritional approach is essential for successful engraftment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the specific complications affecting the nutritional status of HSCT patients and their nutritional approach during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

An infectious diseases perspective on the microbiome and allogeneic stem cell transplant

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The gut microbiome presents a novel source of diagnostic and therapeutic potential to modify post allogeneic stem cell transplant complications. There is an explosion of interest in microbiome research, mostly in the form of single-centre prospective time-series cohorts utilizing a variety of sampling frequencies and metagenomic technologies to sequence the microbiome. The purpose of this review is to summarize important recent publications and contextualize them within what has already been described in this rapidly growing field.

RECENT FINDING

Results from observational human cohort and animal transplant models add to the growing body of evidence that the microbiome modulates the immunopathogenesis of posttransplant complications. This is particularly the case for recipients of grafts replete with T cells where the evidence that acute graft-versus-host disease is mediated by anaerobic commensal-associated short-chain fatty acids, which interact with mucosa-associated (CD4FOXP3) T-regulatory cells.

SUMMARY

Future human research into the role of the microbiome in allogeneic stem transplant should incorporate rigorous and considered experimental design in addition to next-generation sequencing technology to better portray microbiome functional potential and active gene expression. In combination with host immune phenotyping, which would facilitate a robust understanding of the host--microbiome interaction that is required before meaningful translation into clinical diagnostics and therapeutics can be expected.

The effect of exercise and nutrition interventions on physical functioning in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is potentially lifesaving. However, it comes with negative consequences such as impaired physical functioning, fatigue and poor quality of life. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the effect of exercise and nutrition interventions to counteract negative consequences of treatment and improve physical functioning in patients receiving HSCT.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis included randomised controlled trials from three electronic databases between 2009 and 2020. The trials included adult patients receiving HSCT and an exercise or nutrition intervention. Study selection, bias assessment and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. Physical functioning outcomes were meta-analysed with a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included using exercise interventions (n = 11) and nutrition interventions (n = 2); no study used a combined intervention. Meta-analysis of the trials using exercise intervention showed statistically significant effects on 6-min walking distance (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.41, 95% CI: 0.14-0.68), lower extremity strength (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.12-0.62) and global quality of life (SMD 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.46).

CONCLUSION

Our physical functioning outcomes indicate positive effects of exercise interventions for patients receiving HSCT. Heterogeneity of the exercise interventions and absence of high-quality nutrition studies call for new studies comparing different types of exercise studies and high quality studies on nutrition in patients with HSCT.

[Influence of prognostic nutritional index and controlling nutritional status on the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma]

Objective: To explore the influence of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) on the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma. Methods: Data of 157 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) at the affiliated hospital of Xuzhou medical university from January 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was adopted as the optimal cut-off point. PNI and CONUT were grouped based on the cut-off points of 44.45 and 3.5, respectively, and the differences between age, gender, serum calcium, β(2)-microglobulin, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and hemoglobin were analyzed. The prognostic factors were analyzed via univariate and Cox multivariate regression analyses. Results: The level of PNI and CONUT is the influencing factor of OS time. The univariate analysis revealed that age, LDH, plasma cell ratio, β(2)-microglobulin, ISS stage, PNI, and CONUT were the risk factors for the prognosis of patients with MM. The multivariate analysis revealed that age (HR=1.636, 95%CI 1.014-2.640) , plasma cell ratio (HR=1.953, 95%CI 1.232-3.096) , and PNI (HR=0.513, 95%CI 0.287-0.917) were the independent prognostic risk factors of patients with MM. Conclusion: Low PNI in patients with MM indicates a poor prognosis, which is an independent prognosis risk factor.

Current practice in nutrition after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - Results from a survey among hematopoietic stem cell transplant centers

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is frequently associated with impaired oral intake and malnutrition, which potentially increases morbidity and mortality. Therefore, nutrition is one of the major challenges in the post-transplant period.

METHODS

To document the current clinical approach in nutritional treatment, we designed a questionnaire concerning the current practice in nutrition after alloHSCT and distributed it to German speaking centers performing alloHSCT in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between November 2018 and March 2020. Twenty-eight (39%) of 72 contacted centers completed the survey, 23 from Germany, two from Austria and three from Switzerland, representing 50% of alloHSCT activity within the participating countries in 2018.

RESULTS

All centers reported having nutritional guidelines for patients undergoing alloHSCT, whereby 86% (n = 24) provided a low-microbial diet during the neutropenic phase. The criteria to start parenteral nutrition (PN) directly after alloHSCT seemed to be consistent, 75% (n = 21) of the corresponding centers started PN if the oral nutritional intake or the bodyweight dropped below a certain limit. In the setting of intestinal graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) the current practice appeared to be more heterogenous. About 64% (n = 18) of the centers followed a special diet, added food stepwise modulated by GvHD symptoms, while only four centers regularly stopped oral intake completely (intestinal GvHD grade >1). Half of the centers (54%, n = 15) applied a lactose-free diet, followed by 43% (n = 12) which provided fat- and 18% (n = 5) gluten-free food in patients with intestinal GvHD. Supplementation of micronutrients in acute intestinal GvHD patients was performed by 54% (n = 15) of the centers, whereas vitamin D (89%, n = 25) and vitamin B₁₂ (68%, n = 19) was added regularly independently of the presence of GvHD. Only 5 (18%) participating centers ever observed a food-associated infection during hospitalization, whereas food-associated infections were reported to occur more often in the outpatient setting (64%, n = 18).

CONCLUSION

The survey documented a general consensus about the need for nutritional guidelines for patients undergoing alloHSCT. However, the nutritional treatment in clinical practice (i.e. lactose-, gluten- or fat-free in intestinal GvHD) as well as the use of food supplements was very heterogeneous. In line with current general recommendations the centers seemed to focus on safe food handling practice rather than providing a strict neutropenic diet. More high-quality data are required to provide evidence-based nutrition to patients during and after alloHSCT.

The five aspect meal model as a conceptual framework for children with a gastrostomy tube in paediatric care

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatments may induce side effects and cause eating problems. A gastrostomy tube may be required in order to maintain and optimise the child's nutritional needs. Despite the use of a gastrostomy tube, it is important to maintain a natural and attractive mealtime for the child. The Five Aspect Meal Model is age neutral and originally designed to improve restaurant visits. Its five aspects conceptualise what is necessary to ensure a complete meal experience. To date, there is lack of knowledge to guided model development about mealtimes adapted to children and limited knowledge regarding mealtime experiences for children with a gastrostomy tube.

AIM

The aim was to investigate whether the Five Aspect Meal Model could be appropriate to be used for children with a gastrostomy tube in caring science and paediatric care.

METHODS

The design followed steps retrieved from Renjith and colleagues. Seven interviews were performed with the Five Aspect Meal Model as a base in the interview guide. The transcripts were analysed by using a qualitative directed content analysis with a deductive approach, which finally passed into a more inductive one.

FINDINGS

All aspects of the Five Aspect Meal Model were represented in the interviews. There were also experiences related to the gastrostomy tube and the mealtimes that did not fit into any of the five predetermined categories. As a result, the modified version was developed, an adapted prescribing practice model that includes seven aspects, whereof bodily discomfort and time for change and acceptance are specific to children with a gastrostomy tube.

CONCLUSION

Based on children and their parent's experiences, the Five Aspect Meal Model has been developed and adapted into a modified version, which includes seven aspects. The modified version seems to be appropriate to use within caring science and paediatric care.

Enteral versus Parenteral Nutrition as Nutritional Support after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutritional support for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has been widely debated. Enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended as first-line nutritional support by the main international guidelines. However, these recommendations are based on weak evidence, and there is wide variability in the types of nutritional support among transplantation centers, with the majority providing parenteral nutrition (PN) instead of EN. Here we provide an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing EN and PN for nutritional support during the neutropenic period after allo-HSCT. The literature search strategy identified 13 papers, of which 10 compared clinical transplantation outcomes, 2 compared gut microbiota (GM) compositions, and 1 compared systemic metabolic profiles. For the meta-analysis, among the 10 clinical studies, 8 studies in which 2 groups were compared were selected: in 1 group, EN was provided as primary nutritional support in the neutropenic phase after allo-HSCT with or without the addition of PN (EN group), whereas in the other group, only PN was provided as nutritional support. The incidence rates of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) (relative risk [RR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 0.86; P = .0007), aGVHD grade III-IV (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.64; P < .0001), and gut aGVHD (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.66; P < .0001) were lower in the EN group than in the PN group. No differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to the incidence of severe oral mucositis (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.09; P = .46) or overall survival at day +100 (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.21; P = .29). Other variables were too heterogeneous to perform quantitative analyses. The results of the meta-analysis showed that EN reduced the incidence of aGVHD, specifically grade III-IV and gut aGVHD. This result should prompt improved efforts to implement EN as first-line nutritional support in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Considering the emerging evidence regarding the association between GM dysbiosis and aGVHD onset, we speculate that this protective effect could be attributed to the improved gut eubiosis observed in enterally fed patients. Further studies are warranted to better address the relationship between the GM composition, aGVHD, and the nutritional administration route during HSCT.

Feasibility and safety of exercise training and nutritional support prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with haematologic malignancies

Background

Prehabilitation with regular exercise and nutritional care for patients undergoing surgeries for malignant disease was recently introduced to increase physiologic reserve prior to the procedure, accelerate recovery and improve outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of combined exercise training and nutritional support in patients with haematologic malignancies prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

In this single-arm pilot study, 34 HSCT candidates were enrolled at least two weeks before admission for the procedure. Patients performed aerobic exercises at least 4 days per week for 20–30 min and strength exercises 3 days per week for 10–20 min. They received daily supplements of whey protein (0.3–0.4 g/kg body weight) and oral nutritional supplements if needed. The primary endpoints were feasibility (acceptability > 75%, attrition < 20%, adherence > 66%) and safety. The secondary endpoints were fat-free mass (FFM), muscle strength, physical performance and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at HSCT.

Results

The rate of acceptability, attrition and adherence to aerobic exercise, strength exercise and protein supplement consumption was 82.4, 17.8, 71, 78 and 80%, respectively. No severe adverse events were reported. Twenty-eight patients participated in the study for a median of 6.0 weeks (range, 2–14). They performed aerobic exercises 4.5 days per week for 132 min per week and strength exercises 3.0 times per week. Patients consumed 20.7 g of extra protein daily. At the end of the programme, we recorded increases of 1.1 kg in FFM (p = 0.011), 50 m in walking distance in the 6-min walking test (6MWT) (p < 0.001), 3.3 repetitions in the 30-s chair-stand test (30sCST) score (p < 0.001) and 2.6 kg in handgrip strength (p = 0.006). The EORTC QLQ-C30 scores improved by 8.6 (p < 0.006) for global health status, 8.3 (p = 0.009) for emotional functioning, and 12.1 (p = 0.014) for social functioning. There was less fatigue, nausea and insomnia (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study shows that a multimodal intervention programme with partially supervised exercise training combined with nutritional support prior to HSCT is feasible and safe. Patients showed improvements in FFM, physical performance and HRQoL. Additional research is needed to assess the possible positive effects of such interventions.

Optimization of nutrition support practices early after hematopoietic cell transplantation

Nutrition support is often required during hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) given the gastrointestinal toxicity that frequently precludes adequate protein-calorie intake. This article reviews the latest evidence for enteral versus parenteral nutrition in the adult and pediatric HCT population and addresses key considerations as well as barriers to implement this in practice. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are key members of the interdisciplinary team to proactively manage enteral nutrition support to provide timely, adequate protein and calories to help prevent malnutrition, loss of lean body mass, and functional decline as well as provide evidence-based diet recommendations. This article also reviews emerging research supporting the role of luminal nutrients to maintain microbiotal diversity.

Revisiting Infectious Complications Following Total Parenteral Nutrition Use During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Background

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is frequently used to manage caloric needs during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Previous studies in transplant patients who received TPN have reported widely discordant results with regard to infection and mortality, and risk factors for TPN-related infection remain unclear.

Method

We conducted a retrospective study of all HSCT recipients treated with TPN between 2005 to 2014 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to determine the incidence and epidemiology of infections. Electronic records were used to identify patients treated with TPN for at least 2 days who developed infection.

Results

Among 198 patients treated with TPN, 30% developed documented infection. Total parenteral nutrition treatment duration (13 vs. 7 days; p < .0001) and the timing of TPN initiation (> day 9 post HSCT; p < .0001) were significantly higher in patients who received TPN and developed infection. Receipt of an allogeneic transplant was associated with increased risk for infection (p < .0138), and day 60 mortality was significantly higher in TPN-treated patients with infection (p < .0001).

Conclusion

Stem cell recipients who receive TPN, especially from an allogeneic donor, have high rates of infection and mortality. Minimizing TPN exposure may reduce the chance for infection.

Nutrition Support Practices of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centers in Mainland China

It has been identified that malnutrition can influence the immune system and time of engraftment, and it's also associated with increased incidence of complications, prolonged length of hospital stays, and transplant mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), so dynamic nutrition care is highly important. The aim of this study was to better understand the differences between clinical nutrition practices and international recommendations as well as possible barriers to the use of nutrition support in HSCT patients. An evidence-based nutrition support pathway was constructed through a systematic literature review to identify evidence and recommendations relating to the relevant issues. Then, a questionnaire consisting of 28 questions that focused on the 4 topics, namely, assessment and screening for malnutrition, nutrition support interventions, nutrition support in gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and neutropenic diet was developed by the study authors and used for data collection. Responses of 18 HSCT centers from 17 provinces were received. General assessment for malnutrition was performed at 72% (13/18) centers. Parenteral nutrition (PN) was given as the first option to HSCT patients in the majority of centers, despite the fact that current guidelines recommend enteral nutrition (EN) over PN. As many as 72% (13/18) of the centers considered a neutropenic diet in the management of HSCT patients, but only one center had a formal neutropenic diet protocol in place for transplant recipients. Criteria for initiating nutrition support in patients with gastrointestinal GVHD were heterogeneous among the centers, and PN was the most widely used technique. The survey results revealed significant heterogeneity with regard to nutrition support practices among the centers, as well as between the practices and the guidelines. Standard nutrition support guidelines or protocols for nutrition support practices were absent in most of the centers.

Nutritional problems and their non-pharmacological treatment in adults undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation-A systematic review

Objective

This systematic review aimed to identify the most relevant problems related to malnutrition in adult patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and to identify non‐pharmacological interventions to treat these problems.

Methods

A systematic search for each research question was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and reference lists in the period 2009–2019.

Results

Six and nine studies were included respectively. Quantitative pooling of data was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the studies. Oral mucositis (OM), nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea and dysgeusia were the most frequently reported nutritional problems. Cryotherapy and laser therapy seem to be effective in the prevention and treatment of OM. Recommendations for or against the use of mouth rinses and light therapy in the treatment of OM cannot be made, as too few studies have been conducted in this area. The evidence for non‐pharmacological treatment options in the case of nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea is rather limited. No study was identified with regard to treatment of dysgeusia.

Conclusion

Nutrition in HSCT patients has not yet been studied to a satisfactory extent. There is an urgent need for high‐quality studies to be conducted in this area to optimise the care of patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Nutritional support in stem cell transplantation programs: Results from a multicenter survey of nurses on behalf of the Nurses Group and Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation and the Gruppo Italiano Trapianto di Midollo Osseo

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) can develop rapidly without appropriate nutritional support and affect morbidity and mortality. Guidance to monitor and manage nutrition status is described within the literature; however, whether this is applied in clinical practice is unclear.

METHODS

This paper describes a cross-sectional survey to explore current practice approaches in nutrition support management and adherence to international guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 108 nurses from 108 centers across 16 countries replied to the questionnaire. A significant variation was observed regarding the availability of documents supporting the monitoring and management of nutrition status, application of recommendations, and nutritional practices.

DISCUSSION

The findings revealed that country was the most important factor influencing the differences in practice; however, significant differences were also observed based on patient age group (pediatrics vs. adults), department composition (hematology + HSCT unit vs. HSCT unit alone), and availability of nutrition health care professionals. Behavioral differences regarding nutritional practice approaches could be indicative of differences in knowledge or subject awareness, as well as a reflection of diversity across health care system policies.

CONCLUSIONS

Guideline dissemination and raising awareness through educational campaigns are suggested approaches to improve health care professionals' knowledge and sensitivity to this important topic.

Outcomes of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after haploidentical donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and comparison with human leukocyte antigen-identical sibling transplantation

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is regarded as a curative therapy for majority of hematologic malignancies and some non-malignant hematologic diseases. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has become increasingly recognized as a severe complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

OBJECTIVES

To show the characteristics of VTE after haploidentical donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HID-HSCT) and make comparisons with matched related donor HSCT (MRD-HSCT).

PATIENTS/METHODS

A retrospective nested case-control study design was used, cases with VTE and matched controls were selected, with 3534 patients underwent HID-HSCT and 1289 underwent MRD-HSCT.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 114 patients with VTE were identified. The incidence of VTE in HID-HSCT group was similar to that of MRD-HSCT group (2.4% versus 2.3%, P = 0.92). In HID-HSCT group, VTE occurred at a median time of 92.5 days, which was earlier than MRD-HSCT group (243.5 days). For HID-HSCT, advanced disease status, cardiovascular risk factors, acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), and relapse were the independent risk factors for VTE. For MRD-HSCT, cardiovascular risk factors, aGVHD, and relapse were associated with VTE. Overall survival (OS) of patients following HID-HSCT and MRD-HSCT were similar, but the OS in patients with VTE was significantly lower than patients without VTE.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no statistical difference in the incidence of VTE after HID-HSCT compared with MRD-HSCT. The development of VTE adversely impacted the OS after allo-HSCT.

Adherence to guidelines on nutrition support during intensive treatment of acute myeloid leukemia patients: A nationwide comparison

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The level of adherence to the updated guidelines of The European Societies for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) on nutrition in intensively treated adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in clinical practice is unknown. The aim of this nationwide survey was to investigate ESPEN/EBMT nutritional guideline adherence during intensive AML treatment, variation in nutrition support practices among hospitals and whether these practices changed after guideline publication.

METHODS

All 22 Dutch hospitals providing (aftercare following) high-dose chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for adult AML patients were surveyed on nutrition support practices during these intensive AML treatments. We used an online questionnaire in 2015 and semi-structured telephone interviews in 2018-2019. Both surveys were completed by registered dieticians and addressed the use of enteral (EN) and parenteral (PN) nutrition. The ESPEN/EBMT nutritional guideline adherence was investigated through the telephone interviews.

RESULTS

High-level ESPEN/EBMT guideline adherence and/or uniformity among hospitals regarding nutrition support practices during intensive AML treatment were observed for nutritional screening, -aims, safe food handling and exercise training. Adherence to ESPEN/EBMT recommendations that were not implemented into national guidelines, including nutritional assessment and use of medical nutrition, was poor. All hospitals assessed nutritional intake, -impact symptoms and body weight, but muscle mass, physical performance and degree of systemic inflammation were rarely and variably monitored. Although the number of hospitals using EN as first-choice nutritional intervention increased from 3 hospitals in 2015 to 8 in 2019, PN remained the preferred method of nutrition support. Furthermore, the timing of medical nutrition varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the use of EN increased after publication of the updated ESPEN/EBMT nutritional guidelines, adherence to these standards was limited and there was heterogeneity in nutrition support practices during intensive AML treatment among hospitals. Incorporating international nutritional standards into national guidelines by nutrition expert groups immediately upon publication may improve adherence.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as a useful prognostic factor in second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has a low survival outcome and a high non-relapse mortality (NRM) rate which is a major obstacle to this treatment. We hypothesized that the status of malnourishment after first allo-HSCT as represented by the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) could be used as a prognostic factor to determine the outcomes of second allo-HSCT. A total of 108 patients with a median age of 42 (range, 17-69) years, who received second allo-HSCT for disease recurrence after first allo-HSCT from our institution, were included in this study. Low GNRI had a significant impact on NRM at 2 years after second allo-HSCT: 56.9% in patients with GNRI ≤ 92 compared with 27.5% in patients with GNRI > 92 (P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, GNRI of ≤ 92 was the only significant factor for NRM (hazard ratio [HR] 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-4.56, P = 0.018). High-risk disease status at second allo-HSCT (HR 2.74, 95% CI 1.46-5.14, P = 0.002) and GNRI of ≤ 92 (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.02-2.82, P = 0.042) were identified as significant factors for overall survival (OS). A score of 1 was assigned to each factor, and the OS rate at 2 years after second allo-HSCT decreased according to the score: 53.0% in patients with score 0, 32.3% with score 1, and 2.5% with score 2 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, GNRI could be a useful predictor for the outcomes of second allo-HSCT. A prospective study in other cohorts is warranted to validate the findings of our study.

Unintended weight loss in hematology outpatients - Work to do

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition frequently occurs in hematology diseases and may threaten the course of treatment and patient outcomes. While screening for nutritional risk is often done in hospitalized patients, it is rarely described in the outpatient setting. Hematology patients are often followed in outpatient settings before hospitalization and for a longer time after.

AIMS

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of nutritional risk measured by unintended weight loss within three months and reduced food intake within one week among patients in a hematology outpatient clinic. The second purpose was to investigate the two variables as a quick initial screening tool.

METHODS

All patients visiting the outpatient clinic within one week were invited to participate in this study, designed as a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, consisting of nine questions. Descriptive statistical analyses, chi² test and simple logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 219 included patients, 23.7% had an unintended weight loss of mean 13.7% of body weight within the last three months and 13.2% had eaten less than usual within the past week. Patients who had significantly increased odds for unintended weight loss were >80 years of age [CI95%: 1274; 6084], patients visiting for examinations [CI95%: 1.105; 7.227], patients visiting for treatment [CI95%: 1.383; 6598] and patients visiting as part of a course of investigations [CI95%: 1.112; 34.184] as well as patients who had eaten less [CI95%: 2.731; 14.224]. Patients visiting the outpatient clinic for examination had significantly increased odds of having eaten less [CI95%: 1.783; 14.629].

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the statistical analyses, almost one fourth of the patients had a significant unintended weight loss, about 15% had reduced food intake and only 7.8% had both unintended weight loss and reduced food intake. These results indicate that unintended weight loss can be used as a quick screening tool to identify and detect patients at risk of malnutrition and that guidelines should be drawn up for managing patients at nutritional risk in hematology outpatient clinics.

Enteral nutrition protects children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from blood stream infections

Enteral Nutrition (EN) is recommended as first line nutritional support for patients undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT), but only few studies exist in the literature which compare EN to Parenteral Nutrition (PN) in the paediatric population.

Forty-two consecutive paediatric patients undergoing allo-HSCT at our referral centre between January 2016 and July 2019 were evaluated. Post-transplant and nutritional outcomes of patients receiving EN for more than 7 days (EN group, n = 14) were compared with those of patients receiving EN for fewer than 7 days or receiving only PN (PN group, n = 28). In the EN group, a reduced incidence of Blood Stream Infections (BSI) was observed (p = 0.02) (n = 2 vs. n = 15; 14.3% vs. 53.6%). The type of nutritional support was also the only variable independently associated with BSI in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.03). Platelet engraftment was shorter in the PN group than in the EN group for a threshold of > 20*10⁹/L (p = 0.04) (23.1 vs 35.7 days), but this correlation was not confirmed with a threshold of > 50*10⁹/L. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and the BMI Z-score were no different in the two groups from admission to discharge.

Our results highlight that EN is a feasible and nutritionally adequate method of nutritional support for children undergoing allo-HSCT in line with the present literature. Future functional studies are needed to better address the hypothesis that greater intestinal eubyosis maintained with EN may explain the observed reduction in BSI.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Graft- versus -host disease

The Brazilian Consensus on Nutrition in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Graft- versus -host disease was approved by Sociedade Brasileira de Transplante de Medula Óssea , with the participation of 26 Brazilian hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers. It describes the main nutritional protocols in cases of Graft- versus -host disease, the main complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Adults

The nutritional status of patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplant is considered an independent risk factor, which may influence on quality of life and tolerance to the proposed treatment. The impairment of nutritional status during hematopoietic stem cell transplant occurs mainly due to the adverse effects resulting from conditioning to which the patient is subjected. Therefore, adequate nutritional evaluation and follow-up during hematopoietic stem cell transplant are essential. To emphasize the importance of nutritional status and body composition during treatment, as well as the main characteristics related to the nutritional assessment of the patient, the Brazilian Consensus on Nutrition in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Adults was prepared, aiming to standardize and update Nutritional Therapy in this area. Dietitians, nutrition physicians and hematologists from 15 Brazilian centers thar are references in hematopoietic stem cell transplant took part.