The Critical Exploration into Current Evidence behind the Role of the Nutritional Support in Adult Patients Who Undergo Haematogenic Stem Cell Transplantation

Nutrients. 2023 Aug 11;15(16):3558. doi: 10.3390/nu15163558.

Abstract

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment option for many haematological conditions in patients of all ages. Nutritional support is important at each stage of treatment, but particular nutritional needs and dictated support occur during the preparatory (conditioning regimen) and post-transplant periods. Patients may require nutritional treatment by the enteral or parenteral route. The quantitative and qualitative composition of meals may change. Vitamin requirements, including vitamin D and vitamin C, might also be different. An adequately composed diet, adapted to the needs of the patient, may influence the occurrence of complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), gastrointestinal disorders, infections, and reduced survival time. Haematological diseases as well as transplantation can negatively affect the intestinal flora, with negative consequences in the form of mucosal inflammation and disorders of a functional nature. Currently, aspects related to nutrition are crucial in the care of patients after HSCT, and numerous studies, including randomized trials on these aspects, are being conducted. This study serves the critical analysis of current scientific evidence regarding nutritional support for patients after HSCT.

Keywords: HSCT; haematogenic stem cell transplantation; haematooncology; nutrition; nutritional support.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Status
  • Nutritional Support
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Vitamins

Substances

  • Vitamins

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.