Basal metabolic rate in children with a solid tumour.
OBJECTIVE
To study the level of and changes in basal metabolic rate (BMR) in children with a solid tumour at diagnosis and during treatment in order to provide a more accurate estimate of energy requirements for nutritional support.


METHODS
An observational study.


METHODS
Tertiary care at the Centre for Paediatric Oncology, University Hospital Nijmegen.


METHODS
Thirteen patients were recruited from a population of patients visiting the University Hospital Nijmegen for treatment. All patients asked to participate took part in and completed the study.


METHODS
BMR was measured by indirect calorimetry, under stringent, standardised conditions, for 20 min and on three different occasions in all patients. Continuous breath gas analysis using a mouthpiece was performed. Weight, height and skinfold measurements were performed before each measurement.


METHODS
BMR was expressed as percentage of the estimated reference value, according to the Schofield formulas based on age, weight and sex, and in kJ (kcal) per kg of fat-free mass.


RESULTS
At diagnosis, the BMR was higher than the estimated reference BMR in all patients and 44% of the patients were considered hypermetabolic. Mean BMR (as percentage of reference) was significantly increased (11.6% (s.d. 6.7%); P=0.001), but decreased during treatment in 12 of the 13 patients (mean decrease 12.7% (s.d. 3.9%); P<0.0001). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation (P=-0.67; P=0.01) was found between the change in BMR and tumour response.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that the BMR of children with a solid tumour is increased at diagnosis and possibly during the first phase of oncologic treatment. This may be important when determining energy requirements for nutritional support.
den Broeder
E
E
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. edenbroeder@hotmail.com
Oeseburg
B
B
Lippens
R J
RJ
van Staveren
W A
WA
Sengers
R C
RC
van't Hof
M A
MA
Tolboom
J J
JJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D001823:Body Composition; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D001944:Breath Tests; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D018529:Nutritional Support; D012016:Reference Values