Cancer bearer children: thresholds analysis of basic taste detection and sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil

Author(s)

Ilana Elman

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP/CIR)
• Defense date: 2005-08-26

Examining board members

Maria Elisabeth Machado Pinto e Silva; Deborah Helena Markowicz Bastos; Lilian Maria Cristofani

• Advisor: Maria Elisabeth Machado Pinto e Silva

Abstract

Leukemia is the most common kind of cancer during childhood. Nearly 50% of cancer patients are reported to show abnormalities in their food intake behavior. They feel loss of appetite, taste alteration, nausea, among others. The sensorial analysis may contribute to the understanding of food acceptance and to the maintenance of the adequate nutritional condition. Objective: Identifying the thresholds of basic taste detection and sensitivity to PROP according to nutritional state, age, sex and treatment phase of children who bear Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Methodology: 40 children from 6 to 15 years old, from three different institutions, were analyzed according to Protocol GBTLI-99. Their nutritional condition was assessed by BMI. The threshold test for the detection of basic tastes was applied. For the evaluation of PROP sensitivity, a paper filter and a 5-point facial hedonic scale test was carried out. Non-parametrical tests were also conducted with the help of SPSS. Results and Discussion: According to the used parameters, the data obtained were not statistically meaningful for the analyzed variables. Boys showed more sensitivity to basic tastes; the 11 to 14-year olds demonstrated more sensitivity to sweet and salty tastes and the 6 to 10-year olds to the other tastes. Most of the subjects were eutrophic and in the maintenance phase, which did not allow characterization according to these variables. Boys showed non-sensitivity to PROP in a higher proportion. Results obtained are different from healthy children\'s. Conclusion: The undertaken characterization shows features of this population and differences when compared to healthy children. (AU)