Which subgroup of HSCT patients did one study suggest parenteral nutrition increases survival?

• A. Autologous
• B. Allogeneic
• C. Umbilical cord blood
• D. Pediatric

Answer: (B)

In hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the body undergoes severe metabolic stress and often has limited gut function after conditioning, so providing enough nutrition is crucial. Parenteral nutrition bypasses the gut and can ensure adequate calories and protein when enteral feeding isn’t enough or feasible. In the subgroup with the highest treatment-related stress—those receiving allogeneic grafts—the study found that parenteral nutrition was associated with increased survival. The allogeneic group tends to have more intense inflammation, mucosal damage, and risk of complications like infection, so meeting nutritional needs can have a bigger impact on recovery and outcomes. This finding supports giving careful consideration to PN in allogeneic HSCT patients who can’t meet their needs enterally, while always weighing PN’s risks and individual patient factors.