In a nutshell
This study aimed to identify factors which better predict outcomes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The authors concluded that serum albumin (a transport protein in the blood) was better at predicting AML outcomes and overall survival, but was unrelated to BMI.
Some background
Obesity can increase the risk of developing AML, therefore patient nutritional status was analysed, using Body Mass Index (BMI) and Serum Albumin (SA) levels in blood.
Body Mass Index (BMI) refers to weight by comparison to your height. Normal BMI level is around 18.5-25. Serum Albumin is a protein found in blood plasma. Its function is to carry nutritional components such as fatty acids,which is why it is a good indicator for nutritional status of a patient. A higher SA level indicates good nutritional status.
Methods & findings
159 patients with AML were included in this study, with 44% presenting with normal BMI at diagnosis and 56% were either overweight or obese.
SA levels were found to be low for 49 patients, 34 of whom were obese, and high for 110 patients.
Overall, it was found that SA levels at diagnosis and before chemotherapy better predict outcomes for patients with AML. Those with a higher SA level fared much better than those with lower SA levels. SA levels in overweight patients indicate malnutrition and SA and BMI were found to be unrelated. BMI does not greatly impact overall survival (time from treatment until death by any cause) whereas SA levels do predict overall survival.
The bottom line
The study concluded that high SA levels were linked with better survival outcomes for patients with AML.
The fine print
All patients included in the study were adults.
What’s next?
If you are interested in the link between high SA levels and better outcomes in AML, talk to your doctor.
Published By :
Hematological Oncology
Date :
Aug 13, 2018
