Assessing Nutritional Status of Patients Undergoing Autologous and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: An Experience from a Developing Country

Abstract

Objective: To compare the nutritional status of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) at three stages: admission to the Bone Marrow Transplant ward (BMTW), discharge, and one-month post-discharge.

Study Design: Analytical cross sectional study.

Place & Duration: Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Center, January 2022 – December 2023.

Methodology: 25 adult patients with hematological disorders undergoing HSCT were included. Patients are admitted 7 days before transplant for conditioning chemotherapy and discharged once bone marrow is functional. Nutritional assessments were conducted at three time points: within 24 hours of admission (T1), at discharge (T2), and 30 days’ post-discharge (T3), using the PG-SGA score. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire.

Results: Of the 25 patients, 64% were male; the mean age was 32.48 ± 11.9 years. According to BMI, 12.0 % patients were underweight, 28.0% were of normal weight, 20.0% overweight and 40.0% were found to be obese. At T1, all patients were well-nourished (PG-SGA category A); however, by T2, nutritional status had significantly declined (mean PG-SGA score 16.48 ± 4.58). By T3, partial recovery was noted (mean score 2.04 ± 1.7). No significant correlation was found with gender, age, or type of transplant. Neutropenic fever was identified as a major contributor to nutritional decline during hospitalization.

Conclusion: Patients were nutritionally stable at admission but experienced marked deterioration during hospitalization, with partial recovery post-discharge. A tailored nutrition plan is recommended to support recovery, improve appetite, and enhance quality of life in HSCT patients.