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Growth and endocrine function in children with acute myeloid leukaemia after bone marrow transplantation using

Z Afify1, P J Shaw, A Clavano-Harding

  • 1Department of Oncology, The New Children's Hospital, (Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children), Sydney, Australia.

Insights

Children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BUCY) experience no significant growth issues but frequently develop gonadal dysfunction, especially girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Hematology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Longitudinal data on growth and endocrine function in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are limited.
  • Busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BUCY) is a chemotherapy regimen used in BMT for AML.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term growth and endocrine outcomes in children with AML who received BUCY-based BMT.
  • To identify potential risk factors for impaired growth and endocrine dysfunction post-BMT.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 23 children with AML surviving at least 2 years post-BMT with BUCY was studied.
  • Growth (height standard deviation score) and endocrine function (gonadotropins, sex steroid replacement) were assessed annually for up to 10 years post-transplant.
  • Data were analyzed to determine changes in height and the prevalence of gonadal dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • The mean height standard deviation score (HtSDS) showed a slight decrease from diagnosis to BMT but remained stable thereafter.
  • No significant relationship was found between age at BMT and subsequent change in HtSDS.
  • Gonadal dysfunction was prominent, with 5 of 6 girls requiring sex steroid replacement and 6 of 12 boys exhibiting abnormal gonadotropins.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric AML patients undergoing BUCY-based BMT do not typically experience significant growth impairment.
  • Gonadal dysfunction is a common and significant long-term complication, particularly in female patients.
  • Regular endocrine monitoring is crucial for survivors of BUCY-based BMT for AML.

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