Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Neglia J P, Linet M S, Shu X O, Severson R K, Potter J D, Mertens A C, Wen W, Kersey J H, Robison L L
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is decreased exposure to common childhood infections associated with the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?
Conclusion
The study found that, except for ear infections, decreased occurrence of common childhood infections does not increase the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Supporting Evidence
- Ear infections during infancy were less common among cases of ALL.
- Odds ratios for ear infections were 0.86, 0.83, 0.71, and 0.69 for different episodes.
- No association was found between day care attendance and risk of ALL.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether getting sick less often as a child makes you more likely to get a type of cancer called leukaemia, and it mostly found that it doesn't, except for ear infections.
Methodology
A case–control study of 1842 newly diagnosed cases of ALL and 1986 matched controls, with data collected through parental interviews.
Participant Demographics
Children under age 15, with cases of ALL and matched controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.026
Statistical Significance
p=0.026
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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