The feasibility of screening for malnutrition in the outpatient setting and the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with newly-diagnosed ovarian carcinoma

Katrin E. Eurich; Alysun Deckert; Bonnie Smith; Kay Kolahi; Kathryn P. Pennington

Gynecologic Oncology Reports (Oct 2022)

The feasibility of screening for malnutrition in the outpatient setting and the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with newly-diagnosed ovarian carcinoma

Katrin E. Eurich,
Alysun Deckert,
Bonnie Smith,
Kay Kolahi,
Kathryn P. Pennington

Affiliations

Katrin E. Eurich: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356460, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown University, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States1
Alysun Deckert: Department of Nutrition, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Bonnie Smith: Department of Nutrition, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Kay Kolahi: Department of Nutrition, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Kathryn P. Pennington: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356460, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Corresponding author at: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Campus, Box 356460, Seattle, WA 98195-6460.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 43
p. 101052

Abstract

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Introduction: Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for poor surgical outcomes, early chemotherapy discontinuation, and increased mortality. We evaluated the feasibility of outpatient malnutrition screening in patients with suspected gynecologic malignancy. We estimated the prevalence of malnutrition using Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND-ASPEN) criteria in patients undergoing surgery for newly-diagnosed ovarian carcinoma (OC). Methods: Patients scheduling a new clinic appointment for suspected gynecologic malignancy from 2/2018–2/2019 completed the Malnutrition Screening Tool via phone. Patients with positive screening test were recommended expedited Nutrition consultation. To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with newly-diagnosed OC, formal malnutrition evaluation by a Registered Dietician was ordered during hospitalization for all patients undergoing surgery (primary cytoreduction and interval cytoreduction) for newly-diagnosed OC. Results: Of 187 outpatients screened, 29 (16%) had a positive malnutrition screen. Eleven of 29 (38%) were willing to schedule outpatient Nutrition appointment; four were evaluated. Two (1% of all outpatients screened) were diagnosed with malnutrition. 107 patients underwent surgery for primary OC; 70 received Nutrition consult. Only 3 of 70 (4%) were formally diagnosed with malnutrition using AND-ASPEN criteria. Conclusion: Outpatient screening of patients with suspected gynecologic malignancy for malnutrition is feasible. However, the prevalence of malnutrition detected through outpatient screening and in the newly-diagnosed OC population is surprisingly low, suggesting that outpatient screening at time of initial consultation may not be ideal timing. Improving access to dietitians during chemotherapy and later in the cancer course when malnutrition is likely more prevalent may be beneficial.

Published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports

ISSN: 2352-5789 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Gynecology and obstetrics; Medicine: Internal medicine: Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/gynecologic-oncology-reports/

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