Outcome Prediction of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Using Nutritional Backgrounds

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.