A study on the changes in the biochemical parameters during the treatments of childhood cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a rare disease in children, although it causes the leading death rate in within in the age group of 1–15 years. Certain genetic conditions or syndromes such as chromosomal abnormalities, DNA repair disorders, congenital anomalies, hereditary immune deficiency states, and other hereditary influences increase the risk of childhood cancer. Objective: The objective of this study was to study the changes in the biochemical parameters during the treatment of childhood cancer and to study the nutrition-related problems during treatment, to study the influence of diet during treatment. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which 90 patients with various types of cancer were selected between 1 and 15 years of age group. Their anthropometric measurements were assessed and biochemical parameter was noted. Diet history of maximum 3 days was taken using 24-h recall method. Results and Discussion: The actual intake of nutrients did not meet the recommended dietary allowances and due to the side effects of the treatment made them malnourished. Therefore, protein-rich diet was suggested. To meet the micronutrients level, supplements were given during the treatment. The prevalence of malnutrition and dysphagia symptoms was found extensionally higher in children and thereby their no improvement on the nutritional status as the subjects were malnourished. Conclusion: The decreased levels of hematological values showed that there was no strong association between the treatment and its values.