The Relationship between Nutritional Parameters and Thrombosis Risk in Cancer Patients

Nutr Cancer. 2022;74(4):1370-1375. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1952631. Epub 2021 Jul 26.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism which consists of pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis is one of the most important problems in cancer patients. The mechanisms of cancer-associated thrombosis are multi-factorial and still unclear. Nutrition is an important factor in the treatment and prognosis of cancer. Assessment of the nutritional status of cancer patients is multifactorial and it should be performed at each visit. We aimed to assess the relationship between nutritional status and thrombosis risk in various cancer types. It was a cross-sectional and single-center study and 582 cancer patients were included. Patients nutritional status was evaluated with their height, weight, BMI, triceps skinfold thickness, waist circumference, and upper arm circumference. It was found that there was a statistically significant relationship between the thrombosis risk and nutritional parameters such as weight, BMI, and waist circumference which are important anthropometric measurements. As a result, thrombosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Obesity and cachexia are both important conditions in cancer patients and should be well evaluated. It has been shown that increased weight, BMI, and waist circumference indicating obesity are important risk factors for thrombosis risk in cancer patients.

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / complications
  • Nutritional Status
  • Obesity / complications
  • Skinfold Thickness
  • Thrombosis* / etiology