ABSTRACT
Nutritional parameters of patients with cervical cancer and endometrial cancer were prospectively evaluated. Analysis of anthropometric assessments that were abnormal in as many as 52% of patients indicated little difference between organ sites in mean values or percentage of patients with abnormal values. Biochemical parameters included serum albumin, total iron-binding capacity, copper, zinc, and creatinine height index. An abnormal value was present in as many as 60% of patients. Multiple abnormal values were more likely to be present in patients with endometrial cancer. Abnormal vitamin levels were more commonly present in patients with cervical cancer. When compared to control values, levels of plasma folate, beta carotene, and vitamin C were significantly lower in patients with cervical cancer. Patients with endometrial cancer had significantly lower levels of beta carotene and vitamin C. Analysis of surgical complications suggested a correlation with specific nutritional deficits.
Subject(s)
Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/physiopathology , Uterine Neoplasms/physiopathology , Adult , Anthropometry , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Minerals/blood , Prospective Studies , Protein-Energy Malnutrition/physiopathology , Vitamins/bloodABSTRACT
A prospective nutritional evaluation of 78 patients with untreated cervical cancer was undertaken. Stage-related abnormal anthropometric measurements were present in 60% of patients. Abnormal biochemical nutritional measurements were found in 67% of patients. Thirty percent of these patients were anergic to usual skin test antigens. The overall incidence of protein-calorie malnutrition was 12.5%; however, the risk was stage-related. Measured parameters were usually adversely affected following a surgical procedure. Although surgical complications were few, the implications of these findings as to the appropriate method and timing of nutritional assessment as well as the possible benefit from nutritional support in malnourished patients with cervical cancer are discussed.
Subject(s)
Protein-Energy Malnutrition/complications , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/complications , Adult , Aged , Anthropometry , Copper/blood , Female , Humans , Hypersensitivity, Delayed/immunology , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Protein-Energy Malnutrition/immunology , Protein-Energy Malnutrition/metabolism , Serum Albumin/metabolism , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/immunology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/metabolism , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/therapy , Zinc/bloodABSTRACT
Prospective vitamin assessment was undertaken in 78 patients with untreated cancer of the uterine cervix. At least one abnormal vitamin level was present in 67% of patients while individual levels were abnormal in as many as 38% of patients. Significantly lowered levels of plasma folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C were present. Although most of these vitamins did not correlate with other parameters of protein-calorie malnutrition, the possible preventative and treatment effects of these vitamins require additional investigation.
