1.Kajian Rintis Penilaian Status Pemakanan di Kalangan Pesakit Onkologi Pediatrik di Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Noor Aini Mohd. Yusoff ; Zalina Abu Zaid ; Raiza Sham ; Rosita Jamaludin ; Suzana Shahar ; A. Rahman
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2007;5(1):47-58
Malnutrition is common among pediatric oncology patients. Factors
contributing to malnutrition include physiological abnormalities, response
to the tumors and side effects of the treatment. A pilot study was carried out to
determine the nutritional status of 17 pediatric oncology patients aged 4 to 12
years old in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The
nutritional status was assessed via anthropometric measurements and dietary
intake through 3 days repeatitive 24 hours diet recall with subjects and their
carers. Biochemical profiles (serum albumin and hemoglobin) were reviewed
from the medical record. Through anthropometry measurements, weight and
height were used to calculate Z-scores and further determine the percentile
weight-for-age, height-for-age using NCHS percentile charts (WHO 1983).
Frisancho’s standards (1981) were used to define malnutrition based on MUACfor-
age. Underweight as determined using z scores below -2 for weight-for-age
was observed in 70.6% of the subjects. Whilst, 76.5% of the subjects were
classified as stunted (z score < –2) for height-for-age. Based on MUAC-for-age
percentile, the sign of severe malnutrition category (<5 percentile) was
observed in 35.3% of the subject and 23.6% of the subject were in the moderate
malnutrition (>5 – <10 percentile). About 70.6% of the subject had low
haemoglobin (< 11 g/dl) and 29.4% of the subject were hypoalbuminemia
(< 35 g/dl) . Total macronutrient intake was assessed and compared with the
individual requirement (Seashore 1984) for energy and protein intake were
satisfactory, except for subjects in age group 10 – 12 years who achieved only
70% of the individuals requirements. As a conclusion, although food intake of
the subjects was satisfactory but chronic malnutrition was prevalent. Early
recognition of malnutrition is essential in order to plan for a nutritional
intervention and further enhancing the quality of life.