Changes in Growth Patterns of Childhood Leukaemia Survivors
Author Information
Author(s): Breene R A L, Williams R M, Hartle J, Gattens M, Acerini C L, Murray M J
Primary Institution: Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge
Hypothesis
Are survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated without cranial irradiation at risk of adverse auxological changes?
Conclusion
Survivors of childhood ALL, particularly females, exhibit adverse changes in height, weight, and BMI that persist into follow-up.
Supporting Evidence
- More patients were overweight or obese at 3 years out than at diagnosis.
- Females showed persistent increases in BMI-SDS from end of treatment to 3 years out.
- The study included a total of 134 patients, with 77 included in the final analysis.
Takeaway
Kids who survived leukaemia without certain treatments might grow differently, especially girls, and they need help to stay healthy.
Methodology
Retrospective study analyzing height, weight, and BMI of 134 patients treated on the MRC/UKALL97 protocol.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature and lack of dietary and physical activity data.
Limitations
The study was retrospective and lacked a control group for comparison.
Participant Demographics
Of the 77 patients, 37 (48%) were male and 40 (52%) were female, median age at diagnosis was 4.6 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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