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Pediatrics

Growth Patterns in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study from the UiT The Arctic University of Norway has assessed growth patterns in a national cohort of children aged 0-17.9 years diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The research findings, published in Acta Paediatrica, reveal significant fluctuations in weight and height growth during treatment and remission. Notably, the study found that weight gain and body mass index increase occurred earlier than previously reported, while height was negatively affected by treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed medical records of 375 pediatric ALL patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2018, with data collected weekly or as soon as available, and followed up for 10 years after diagnosis.
  • Weight loss and stagnation in height growth were observed in the initial stages of treatment, with weight and body mass index stabilizing above the average healthy population during remission.
  • Monitoring of nutritional status, nutritional support efforts, and physical activity is crucial throughout treatment to prevent unwanted fluctuations in growth.
  • The study identified significant differences in growth patterns between children with ALL and the general population, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions.
  • Additional research is needed to understand the long-term effects of treatment on growth in children with ALL.

Statistics:

  • 375 pediatric ALL patients were included in the analysis, representing a national cohort of children aged 0-17.9 years.
  • Data collection began in 2008 and ended in 2018, with follow-up for 10 years after diagnosis.
  • Weight loss (z-score from 0.00 to -0.25) and stagnation in height growth (z-score from 0.20 to -0.55) were observed in the initial stages of treatment.
  • Weight and body mass index stabilized above the average healthy population during remission, with z-scores of 0.30 and 0.55 respectively.
  • Height was negatively affected by treatment, with a z-score of -0.15 in remission.

Sources:

  • UiT The Arctic University of Norway. "Anthropometrics were collected for patients diagnosed between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018..."
  • Acta Paediatrica. "Early Increase in Weight Is Seen During Treatment for Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia-A Retrospective Analysis of Medical Records. July 2025."
  • NewsRx LLC. "UiT The Arctic University of Norway Reports Findings in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Early Increase in Weight Is Seen During Treatment for Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia-A Retrospective Analysis of Medical Records)." Pediatrics Week. July 12, 2025; p 718.

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