Risk factors for impaired pulmonary function and cardiorespiratory fitness in very long-term adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia after treatment with chemotherapy only*

Abstract

Background: Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at risk of late treatment-related side-effects. Data regarding prevalence and risk factors for impairments in pulmonary function and cardiorespiratory fitness are limited, and reported findings are inconsistent and inconclusive. Material and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 116 ALL survivors (median 5 years at diagnosis, 29 years at follow-up, 53% females) were examined, median 23 years after treatment with chemotherapy only. Individual cumulative doses of cytostatic agents were calculated. Methods included blood tests, echocardiography, pulmonary function tests and cardiorespiratory exercise test. Results: Females had lower % predicted gas diffusing capacity (DLCO) than males (mean [SD] 84 [13] versus 97 [14], p