Longitudinal anthropometric study in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Growth and Development
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment can impact growth.
• Understanding the effects of different treatment protocols on pediatric growth is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anthropometric changes in children with ALL undergoing different treatment protocols.
• To identify factors contributing to growth retardation during and after ALL therapy.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal anthropometric measurements (height, armspan, sitting height, head circumference) were taken every 3 months for 2 years.
• Four groups of patients were studied: high-risk protocol, standard-risk with cranial irradiation, standard-risk without cranial irradiation, and post-treatment follow-up.
• Statistical analysis compared growth parameters across groups.

Main Results:

• Height retardation (0.4-0.6 SD) was observed during therapy in treated groups.
• Armspan reduction was more pronounced than sitting height reduction.
• Head circumference was unaffected; nutritional status indicators showed above-normal growth.
• A catch-up growth of 0.5 SD was noted in the post-treatment group.

Conclusions:

• Corticosteroid medication is the probable cause of height retardation, rather than cranial irradiation.
• Children with ALL maintain good nutritional status during and after treatment.
• Monitoring anthropometric variables is essential for assessing long-term effects of ALL treatment.