Nutritional Status and Body Mass Index Before Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) and Associated Outcomes: a Rapid Review

Purpose Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients experience several post-HSCT complications affecting nutritional status, body mass index (BMI), and mortality that can potentially be mitigated by nutritional management. This rapid review examines the relationship between pre-HSCT nutritional status and BMI and post-HSCT survival. Methods Articles were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Two researchers independently completed the title, abstract, and full-text review. Inclusion criteria included the following: (1) randomized clinical trials or observational studies; (2) human subjects diagnosed with cancer and undergoing HSCT; (3) reported pre-HSCT nutritional status (e.g., diet recall, nutritional survey, dietitian session) or BMI; and (4) reported treatment related mortality and/or survival. Results The initial search found 3036 articles, 28 were included in full-text review, and 18 met inclusion criteria. Articles had quasi-experimental ( n = 2) and observational ( n = 16) study designs. Of the studies, n = 5 reported nutritional intake decreased post-HSCT, and n = 2 reported nutrition intervention (i.e., controlled feeding) post-HSCT improved survival. Four studies reported having a BMI classified as underweight improved survival, while n = 5 reported having a BMI classified as overweight or obese improved survival. Conclusion Current research exploring the relationship between nutritional status and BMI with HSCT survival is mixed. Further research is needed to determine how nutritional status and BMI are associated withsurvival post-HSCT to inform future intervention work.