Hormonal and growth status in long term survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children

Nineteen children and adolescents in long-term complete remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were studied for hormonal and growth status after cessation of therapy. Cranial irradiation of 600-2,400 cGy was given for C.N.S. prophylaxis in 18 out of 19 patients, and additional irradiation of 2,000 cGy was given to both testes of a prepubertal boy because of testicular infiltration. The time ranges after cranial irradiation and cessation of therapy at the time of study were 61-137 months and 5-127 months respectively. Thyroid hormone, cortisol and peak cortisol response after ACTH stimulation were normal in every tested children. Basal serum gonadotropin and sex steroid values were appropriate in the majority of patients. A child who received testicular irradiation, had elevated levels of gonadotropins. Glucagon stimulation test (GST) and/or L-Dopa propranolol test (DP test) were used to study growth hormone (GH) response. None had peak GH value less than 7 ng/ml. Ten patients had peak GH values of over 15 ng/ml. Nine female patients had normal puberty and regular menstruation. Eight out of ten male children also had normal puberty. All except two male patients had normal linear growth within 2 standard deviations of the mean. The mean attained final height of 11 children was not significantly different when compared to the mean predicted heights obtained from Bayley-Pinneau and Tanner methods. Excessive weight gain during and after cessation of chemotherapy was observed in the majority of children. Continuing long-term review of these children is essential.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)