Endocrinal Complications Among Survivors of the Childhood Malignancies in Patients who were hospitalized in Tabriz Children’s Hospital

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Approximately 20-50% of childhood cancer survivors will develop at least one endocrine disorder in their life time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate endocrine disorders caused by the disease or complications of treatment among cancer survivors. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 72 survivors of childhood cancer patients with the age of 2-18 years, who were followed up in Pediatric Oncology Clinic of Tabriz children's hospital from September 2001 to March 2012. Age, gender, type and site of malignancy and prescribed medications were recorded. After clinical examination, Blood samples were taken and sent to the reference laboratory to measure serum levels of fasting blood sugar, calcium, phosphorus, thyroid and gonadal function tests. Results: The mean age of patients at their diagnosis time and after treatment were 11.43±3.39 and 3.2 ± 1.34 years, respectively. 77.8% were male and 22.2% female. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common malignancy (55.5%). 88.9% of patients had received vincristine. 27.7% of survivors had at least one endocrine complication. Impaired fasting glucose , hypothyroidism , hypogonadism were 16.7% , 8.3% and 2.7% , respectively. Conclusion: Survivors of childhood malignancy are at risk of endocrine complications, especially impaired glucose metabolism, thyroid and gonadal dysfunction. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders in vulnerable individuals can reduce mortality and improve their quality of life.

Keywords: Childhood cancer, Survivor, Endocrine Complications