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Pulmonary function in childhood leukaemia survivors
N J Shaw1, P M Tweeddale, O B Eden
1Department of Haematology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
Medical and Pediatric Oncology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Pulmonary function is often impaired in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with reduced lung volumes and gas transfer capacity. Early diagnosis may increase the risk of impaired lung function in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Cancer Survivorship
Background:
- Pulmonary function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors is poorly understood.
- Chemotherapeutic agents like methotrexate and respiratory infections during ALL treatment can cause lung toxicity.
- Assessing long-term respiratory health in ALL survivors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pulmonary function status in a cohort of ALL survivors.
- To identify potential factors associated with pulmonary function abnormalities in ALL survivors.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 38 ALL survivors assessing respiratory status.
- Utilized questionnaires, spirometry, lung volume measurements, and transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TCO) tests.
- Compared patient data to predicted values for pulmonary function parameters.
Main Results:
- 65% of studied ALL survivors had at least one reduced pulmonary function value (VC, TLC, residual volume, or TCO).
- Mean vital capacity (VC), total lung capacity (TLC), and TCO were significantly lower than predicted (P < .001).
- Gas transfer per unit lung volume (KCO) was normal; low TCO was more frequent in patients diagnosed before age 8.
Conclusions:
- Survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia exhibit significant impairments in pulmonary function, including reduced lung volumes and gas transfer.
- Impaired lung growth may contribute to these abnormalities, particularly in those diagnosed at a younger age.
- These pulmonary function deficits may have long-term health implications for ALL survivors.