Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Egyptian Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Leukemic children face many obstacles that interfere with social activities and are at greater risk for neurocognitive dysfunction. This study aimed at highlighting the problems affecting quality of life in leukemic children given chemotherapy without irradiation. \rMethods: A Cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in 177 leukemic patients, with 281 subjects as a healthy control. All patients and control were subjected to thorough history and examination. Cognitive functions were examined using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Paediatric quality of life was measured using paediatric quality of life inventory version 4. \rResults: Health and activity, emotion, social relationship and school achievement were significantly impaired among leukemic children. Orientation, registration, attention, recall and language were adversely affected in leukemic children in comparison to healthy children. \rConclusion: Neurocognitive function and quality of life in leukemic children treated with chemotherapy were significantly impaired as compared with the healthy group.