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Longitudinal growth and final height in long-term survivors of childhood leukaemia

A Cicognani1, E Cacciari, P Rosito

  • 1Clinica Pediatrica I, Bologna, Italy.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors treated with cranial irradiation experienced reduced final height, with females showing a greater height loss than males. Younger females (<4 years) at diagnosis had a more significant height deficit.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Survival rates for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved significantly.
  • Conflicting data exists regarding the long-term growth and final height of ALL survivors.
  • Cranial irradiation is a common treatment modality, potentially impacting growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the longitudinal growth and final height in survivors of childhood ALL.
  • To compare growth patterns and final height outcomes based on cranial irradiation dosage.
  • To investigate potential sex-based differences and age-related effects on final height.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal height measurements were collected from 52 childhood ALL survivors (33 females, 19 males).
  • Patients received cranial irradiation (2400 or 1800 cGy) and were in first remission.
  • Height was measured at diagnosis, end of treatment, and at final growth completion.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in height standard deviation score (SDS) was observed during treatment in girls, followed by a temporary catch-up growth.
  • Mean final height SDS was significantly lower than at diagnosis in girls and in males treated with 2400 cGy.
  • Females exhibited a greater mean overall loss in height SDS (-1.24) compared to males (-0.40); younger females (<4 years) showed a higher loss.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood ALL survivors treated with cranial irradiation experience impaired final height.
  • Females and younger patients at diagnosis are at higher risk for significant height deficits.
  • Further research is needed to optimize growth-preserving strategies in ALL survivors.

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