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Normal final height after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia without irradiation
1Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Chemotherapy temporarily stunts growth in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, most patients experience catch-up growth within two years, achieving normal final height and body proportions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment involves chemotherapy, which may impact linear growth.
- Assessing the long-term effects of chemotherapy on growth is crucial for pediatric cancer survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of chemotherapy on linear growth in children treated for ALL without irradiation.
- To determine if catch-up growth occurs after cessation of therapy and if final height is affected.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 28 children with ALL treated without irradiation.
- Height Standard Deviation Scores (SDS) were measured before, during, and after chemotherapy.
- Final height, mid-parental height SDS, and sitting to standing height ratio were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in height SDS was observed during chemotherapy (p = 0.006).
- Catch-up growth occurred after therapy cessation, primarily within the first two years.
- Final height SDS was normal (median -0.035) and significantly higher than mid-parental height SDS (p = 0.012).
- Body proportions, indicated by sitting to standing height ratio, were also normal in those who reached adult stature.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy negatively influences linear growth in children with ALL.
- Catch-up growth post-chemotherapy leads to normal final height and body proportions.
- Pediatric ALL survivors treated without irradiation can achieve satisfactory adult stature.