GROWTH IN LONG-TERM SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA [HL]

Hodgkin’s disease (HD) patients regularly attending the pediatric oncology clinic of NCI, Cairo University were studied to identify the long-term effect of radiochemotherapy on growth in long-term survivors (LTS). A group of 42 LTS were studied, together with 26 newly-diagnosed (ND) HD patients and 28 healthy controls. During 3 years period, files of LTS were revised for all clinical data. Clinical examination was done for all patients with laying stress on visceromegaly and the presence of lymphadenopathy. Anthropometry (weight, standing and sitting heights prepubertal Chest circumference) was measured according to Needlman [1]. Lab investigations included CBC, ESR, bone marrow biopsy and growth hormone (GH). Radiodiagnostic studies were done whenever indicated. The percentage of patients below 3rd percentile of weight, standing and sitting heights was significantly increased in LTS indicating marked growth retardation. However, the mean GH levels were insignificantly different regarding the duration and type of therapy. Finally, the study documented that there is significant growth impairment in LTS-HD patients. Recommendations regarding the comprehensive follow-up of therapy for HD were discussed. Endocrine consultation should be obtained for children who are below the third percentile for height or weight.