A Multi-Center International Survey Related to the Nutritional Support after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Endorsed by the ASIA Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation (APBMT)

Abstract

Background: The nutritional support after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has not been well established due to the scarcity of clinical trials. To conduct international clinical trials in Asia, we performed the questionnaire survey to investigate the current standard of nutritional support after HSCT. Method: We sent the questionnaire to the physicians nominated by the Asia Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation (APBMT) members of each country/ region. Result: We received 15 responses from 7 different countries/regions. The target calorie amount is 1.0 - 1.3 × basal energy expenditure (BEE) in 11 institutes when partial parenteral nutrition is used. When total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is used, the target calorie amount is 1.0 - 1.3 × BEE in 9 institutes and 1.3 - 1.5 × BEE in 4 institutes. Lipid emulsion is routinely used in 12 institutes. Multivitamins and trace elements are routinely added to TPN used in most institutes. It is still uncommon to use the immunonutrition. Blood glucose levels are routinely monitored in all institutes, but the target range varies (<110 in 2 institutes, <150 in 4 institutes, and <200 in 8 institutes). Conclusions: Basic nutritional support is similar in participating institutes. However, the target glucose level varies and the use of immunonutrition is rather rare. These points can be the theme of future clinical trials.