PD937 - ASSESSMENT OF FOOD INTAKE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CANCER IN A PORTUGUESE DAY HOSPITAL SETTING

PD937

ASSESSMENT OF FOOD INTAKE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CANCER IN A PORTUGUESE DAY HOSPITAL SETTING

M. Viana¹, B. Teixeira¹, T. Tchiyovo¹, D. e Silva^1,2,*

¹Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, ²Nutrição, Unidade Local de Saúde São João, Porto, Portugal

Rationale: Malnutrition is common in children with cancer and is associated with disease pathophysiology, treatment regimens, and related side effects. It negatively impacts mortality, morbidity, and quality of life, making the maintenance of optimal nutritional status essential. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and dietary adequacy of this population by evaluating compliance with energy requirements, in comparison with recommended guidelines for critically ill and healthy pediatric patients.

Methods: A transversal study was conducted including 37 children and adolescents diagnosed with solid tumors and being monitored in a Day Hospital setting.  Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical status, nutritional risk, and dietary intake were collected. Energy requirements were estimated according to the ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition (Energy) and the EFSA recommendations for healthy populations.

Results: Of the 37 children assessed, 19 (51%) were female. Participants were aged between 2 and 18 years, with glioma being the most prevalent diagnosis. Regarding macronutrient intake, 37 (100%) and 34 (92%) children had a lower carbohydrate and protein intake, respectively, and all exceeded fat intake recommendations. In terms of energy requirements, 25 (68%) did not meet the recommendations for healthy children (mean=-182 508 kcal/dia), and 27 (73%) did not meet the requirements for critically ill patients (mean=-524 591 kcal/dia). Dietary recommendations were not followed, with 25 (68%) of participants consuming less than the recommended intake of vegetables.

Conclusion: Dietary intake in this pediatric oncology population was inadequate, particularly regarding macronutrient distribution and energy intake. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional strategies to improve clinical outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared