Effects of individualized nutrition after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following myeloablative conditioning; a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background & aims: Reduced quality of life (QoL) is prevalent after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In this randomized trial we examined the effect of individualized nutritional support during hospitalization for allo-HSCT. Primary outcome was change in global QoL three months post-HSCT with oral mucositis (OM) and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) as main secondary outcomes. Methods: Whereas the intervention group received recommended minimum daily intakes of 126 kJ/kg and 0.75 g protein/kg as food, supplements, enteral or parenteral nutrition, the controls received routine feeding. QoL was self-reported using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Results: Between August, 2010 and February, 2016, we randomized 59 and 60 patients to intervention and control, respectively; 40 and 48 being eligible for analysis of QoL. There was no difference between the two groups in mean global QoL after three months (-3.10, 95% 45 CI -11.90-5.69; P=0.49). Nor were there any differences in OM grades 3-4 (RR (vs grades 0-2), 1.11, 95% CI 0.59-2.11 and 0.95, 95% CI 0.72-1.25, respectively; P=0.78), or a GVHD grades 3 or 4 (RR (vs grades 0-2) 0.44, 95% CI 0·12-1.60; and 0.65, 95% CI 0.20-2.20, respectively; P=0.37). Conclusion: Individualized nutritional support with recommended energy and protein intakes during hospitalization had no effect on QoL, OM or aGVHD three months after allo-HSCT compared to routine nutrition.