Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China , 18646324500@163.com
Abstract: (19 Views)
Background:This study evaluated the impact of mind-mapping health interventions on nutritional status, renal function, and inflammatory markers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (66-70 Gy, 2 Gy/fraction over 6-7 weeks) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (2022-024). Patients were assigned to either standard care (n=60) or mind-mapping intervention (n=60). The intervention incorporated structured education on nutrition, symptom control, behavioral management, and renal monitoring using visual mind maps. Nutritional indicators [standardized dietary energy intake (NDEI), standardized dietary protein intake (NDPI), body mass index (BMI), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC)], renal parameters [serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glomerular filtration rate (GFR)], and inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6)] were assessed at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Radiotherapy-related complications were recorded. Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of complications (8.3% vs. 21.7%, P=0.031). Nutritional indices improved markedly at 6 weeks (NDEI: 140.5±21.2 vs. 125.4±20.1 kJ/kg/day; NDPI: 1.42±0.33 vs. 1.25±0.27 g/kg/day; P<0.05). Renal function was preserved with reduced Scr (60.1±12.0 vs. 70.2±13.2 µmol/L) and BUN, and higher GFR (P<0.05). CRP (6.0±1.8 vs. 8.2±2.1 mg/L) and IL-6 (9.2±2.7 vs. 13.0±3.2 pg/mL) were significantly lower in the intervention group. Conclusion: Mind-mapping interventions effectively reduce radiotherapy-related complications, enhance nutrition, preserve renal function, and mitigate inflammation in NPC patients. Their integration into clinical practice may improve radiotherapy outcomes.