The impact of pretransplant malnutrition on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes

Summary Background Malnutrition is a common finding in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) patients, and there is some evidence that malnutrition might negatively affect the transplant outcomes. Method We performed a retrospective study with 148 patients aged 18–75 years, who underwent alloHSCT between 2011 and 2017. Patients were classified according to the body mass index (BMI) and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). The SGA was assessed on the day of hospitalization for the transplant, and classifies patients into three groups: A (well-nourished), B (moderately malnourished) and C (severely malnourished). Results The SGA classified 49 (33%) patients as well-nourished, 54 (37%) as moderately malnourished, and 45 (30%) as severely malnourished. SGA-C was also associated with severe acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) with a cumulative incidence (CI) of 31% vs. a CI of 14% for combined well-nourished or moderately malnourished group (SGA-A or –B, P = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, SGA-C compared to SGA-A or –B, remained as an independent risk factor for aGVHD (hazard ratio - HR 1.68, 95% confidence interval - 95% CI 1.02–2.74), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM - HR 3.63, 95% CI 1.76–7.46), worse progression free survival (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.25–3.60), and worse overall survival (HR 3.27, 95% CI 1.90–5.64). Conclusion Malnutrition increases the risk of aGVHD and NRM and has a negative impact on survival.