FREQUENCY OF OBESITY AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN CHILDHOOD LEUKEMIA AND
LYMPHOMA SURVIVORS
Abstract
Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence and
clinical features of obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are long-term
effects of survivors after treatment in children with leukemia and
lymphoma. Patients&Method: Patients with leukemia and lymphoma, who
were diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 (at least 2 two years after
remission) were included. Data obtained through reviewing the family
history, demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and
laboratory parameters (blood glucose, lipid, and insulin levels) were
analyzed and compared at the time of diagnosis, after the treatment and
at time of the study. Results: Eighty nine patients (45 boys, 44 girls)
were included (mean age: 14.7 ± 4.3 years): 77.5% had acute
lymphoblastic leukemia, 11.2% had acute myeloid leukemia, and 11.2%
had lymphoma. Overall, 46% patients had received radiotherapy, 7% had
undergone surgery, and 2.2% had received stem cell transplantation in
addition to chemotherapy. The mean duration of treatment was 2.4 years,
and the time elapsed after treatment was 4.9 years. While only one had
obesity at the diagnosis, a significant increase in obesity (20%),
hypertension (15.7%), hyperglycemia (15%), insulin resistance (35%)
were observed at the time of study, and family history of hypertension,
dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases were significantly higher in
this subgroup. Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndorme is
higher in children with leukemia and lymphoma after treatment, and
begins to increase with the initiation of treatment and continues to
increase over time. These children should be followed-up for
late-effects including metabolic syndrome through life-long period.