Parenteral nutrition following intensive cytotoxic therapy: an exploratory study on the need for parenteral nutrition after various treatment approaches for haematological malignancies

Patients receiving intensive cytotoxic therapy are traditionally supported with parenteral nutrition (PN), although it is unclear whether all patients benefit from PN. This study aimed to identify regimen-associated differences in PN requirements, to reveal discrepancies between the number of PN indications and the frequency with which PN was actually given, and to describe characteristics of patients who met nutritional goals without PN. PN indications were defined as: (1) severe malnutrition at admission; (2) a prolonged period (7-10 days) of minimal oral intake; or (3) clinical weight loss >10%. PN was found to be needed in only 35% of consolidation courses, compared with 80% during remission induction and 55% during BMT. Significant differences were also seen between BMT protocols: PN was required in only 37% of autologous BMT recipients conditioned without total body irradiation (for lymphoma) vs 92% of recipients of a mismatched graft. A high body mass index was the only significant characteristic of patients who could do without PN. In conclusion, PN is not required for all patients undergoing intensive cytotoxic therapy. Screening of nutritional status at the start of therapy and monitoring oral intake following cytotoxic treatment may allow more appropriate identification of patients requiring PN