SP1-58 Malnutrition, quality of life and cancer: association between different nutritional parameters

Abstract

Rationale: Malnutrition, decreased functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) contribute to an increased morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association among nutritional status, quality of life, index of fat free mass (FFMI) and functional capacity in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in patients before the first chemotherapy course in the Hospital of Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil. Nutritional status was determined by Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment and quality of life by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Bioelectrical impedance analysis and hand grip strength (HGS) were performed to evaluate FFMI and functional capacity, respectively. Results: Seventy-five patients were evaluated, 74.7% had cancer of the digestive system. Only 12.8% of the patients were classified as well nourished. HGS median was 26 kg (IQR: 18;32 kg) FFMI median was 17.5 kg/m2 (IQR: 16.1;18.8 kg/m2). Severely malnourished patients had a worse functional capacity (p = 0.01); lower FFMI (p = 0.005) and lower general QOF scores (p = 0.03) than the nourished ones. A significant positive correlation was found between IFFM and HGS (r = -0.51; p < 0.001) and significant negative correlations between functional capacity and general QOL (r = -0.48; p < 0.001) and HGS (r = -0.44; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Malnutrition is a determining factor in the prognosis and QOL in these patients and it can be assessed by different parameters such as body composition, subjective evaluations or changes in functional capacity.