The Effectiveness of the Neutropenic Diet in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Historically, many interventions have been tried to reduce the incidence of infection by reducing patients' exposures to potential pathogens. The neutropenic diet is one such intervention that was intended to reduce the introduction of bacteria into the host's gastrointestinal tract. This diet excludes foods considered to be high risk for bacterial colonization, especially raw fruits and vegetables. The only studies evaluating this diet have used this intervention in combination with germ free environments, which have been phased out of practice, and the independent effect of this diet remains unknown. In addition, pediatric oncology patients suffer significant gastrointestinal side effects secondary to cancer therapy, which are likely to affect their satisfaction with this dietary regimen. Qualitative data in these children suggests that decreased pleasure from food is a major concern for them and preliminary data on the neutropenic diet showed that although patients were able to stick to it, they found it difficult. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offer more liberalized food safety guidelines for immunocompromised patients. We hypothesize that the neutropenic dietary restrictions offer no advantage over the FDA and CDC endorsed food safety guidelines and that the food safety guidelines will afford patients an improved quality of life through increased choice and control over their diet. The results of this study could potentially modify clinical practice to improve the quality of life of these patients without adverse effects on their rate of infection. Furthermore, the allowance of fresh fruits and vegetables back into the diets of these patients may have a positive impact on their health.