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Bone mineral density decrements and children diagnosed with cancer

Jesica Pagano-Therrien1, Sheila Judge Santacroce

  • 1Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA. jpagano@cnmc.org

Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing : Official Journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
|October 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) often experience bone density loss due to disease and treatments like corticosteroids. Risk factors include male gender, older age, and inactivity, necessitating interventions for bone health management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors face significant health challenges.
  • Bone mineral density (BMD) decrements are a recognized complication in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and timing of BMD decrements in pediatric ALL survivors.
  • To identify risk factors, including corticosteroid effects, contributing to bone loss.
  • To explore potential interventions for managing bone loss in ALL survivors.

Main Methods:

  • Integrative literature review methodology employed.
  • Focused on studies examining BMD in children treated for ALL.
  • Synthesized findings on prevalence, risk factors, and interventions.

Main Results:

  • ALL survivors exhibit decreased BMD, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, disease, and treatments.
  • Corticosteroids and cranial radiotherapy are key contributors to bone density loss.
  • Male gender, age over 10 years, and physical inactivity are associated with lower BMD.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric ALL survivors are at risk for bone mineral density decrements.
  • Multiple factors, including specific treatments, contribute to bone loss.
  • Management strategies and the role of pediatric oncology nurses are crucial for addressing bone disease.

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