A cancer patient recieving chemotheraphy starts 8 weeks of tx weighting 171.5 lbs, with hist ht at 56.5 inches and his BMI at 27. Before he got sick his weight was 183lbs. On day 19 of tx hi had lost 3.5 lbs, on day 23 no wt loss, day 28 he had lost another 3 lbs. By day 38 his weight was down 1 lb since day 28, total wt loss since beginning tx is 7.5 lbs. Weight at end was 164 lbs and BMI 26. What is the most meangingful way to evaluate his weight oss? Do necessary calculations. Consider his UBW (weight at the beginning and at the end of his 8 weeks of treatment). How would you classify his nutritional status based on his weight loss?

Question

A cancer patient recieving chemotheraphy starts 8 weeks of tx weighting 171.5 lbs, with hist ht at 56.5 inches and his BMI at 27. Before he got sick his weight was 183lbs. On day 19 of tx hi had lost 3.5 lbs, on day 23 no wt loss, day 28 he had lost another 3 lbs. By day 38 his weight was down 1 lb since day 28, total wt loss since beginning tx is 7.5 lbs. Weight at end was 164 lbs and BMI 26. What is the most meangingful way to evaluate his weight oss? Do necessary calculations. Consider his UBW (weight at the beginning and at the end of his 8 weeks of treatment). How would you classify his nutritional status based on his weight loss?

Answer 1

To evaluate the weight loss of the cancer patient and classify his nutritional status, we need to consider his "Ideal Body Weight" (IBW) and "Percent Weight Loss" (PWL). These calculations will help us understand the significance of his weight loss.

1. Calculate the Ideal Body Weight (IBW):
- For males: IBW = 106 lbs + (6 lbs x each inch over 60 inches)
- For the patient (with a height of 56.5 inches):
IBW = 106 lbs + (6 lbs x 56.5 - 60 inches)
IBW = 106 lbs + (-21 lbs)
IBW = 85 lbs

2. Calculate the Percent Weight Loss (PWL):
- PWL = ((UBW - Current Weight) / UBW) x 100
- For the patient (UBW = 183 lbs, Current Weight = 164 lbs):
PWL = ((183 lbs - 164 lbs) / 183 lbs) x 100
PWL = (19 lbs / 183 lbs) x 100
PWL = 10.38%

Now, let's analyze the results:

The patient's weight loss of 7.5 lbs over the course of treatment (8 weeks) is significant, considering his UBW was 183 lbs. Furthermore, his PWL of 10.38% is higher than the generally accepted cutoff of 5%. This indicates a meaningful weight loss due to the chemotherapy treatment.

Based on the patient's weight loss, we can classify his nutritional status as follows:
- Mild weight loss: 5-10%
- Moderate weight loss: 10-20%
- Severe weight loss: >20%

In this case, the patient's PWL falls within the moderate weight loss category (10.38%), suggesting a notable impact on his nutritional status. It is crucial for the healthcare team to closely monitor the patient and consider appropriate nutritional support to maintain his well-being.