NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF GLUTAMINE-SUPPLEMENTED ONCO-HEMATOLOGICAL PATIENTS SUBMITTED TO CHEMOTHERAPY

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the impact of oral glutamine supplementation on the nutritional status of patients with hematologic malignancy submitted to chemotherapy, and to compare the effects obtained with doses of 0.3 g/kg/day and 0.65 g/kg/day. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental, randomized, blinded study. A total of 17 patients were divided into two groups: group 1, administered 0.3 g/kg/day (n=8), and group 2, administered 0.65 g/kg/day (n=9). For nutritional assessment, we evaluated arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, arm muscle circumference, body mass index and the Subjective Global Assessment Produced by the Patient. Biochemical parameters, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, total protein, albumin, and C-reactive protein, were also analyzed. These variables were evaluated in two stages, before intervention and after 30 days of glutamine use. Results: Most anthropometric parameters were maintained or increased after supplementation. According to the Subjective Global Assessment Produced by the Patient, malnutrition rating changed from moderate to well-nourished by 50% in group 1 and 11.1% in group 2, with no statistically significant difference between and intra-groups. The biochemical parameters did not differ with the doses used. Conclusion: Glutamine supplementation in the amounts of 0.3 g/kg/day and 0.65 g/kg/day did not promote significant differences in improvement of nutritional status. Nevertheless, its use can help maintain the initial nutritional status of patients with acute leukemia and lymphomas undergoing chemotherapy. DESCRIPTORS: Neoplasms. Drug Therapy. Glutamine. Nutrition Assessment. Nutritional Status.