In a nutshell
This study aimed to identify risk factors of tiredness in children treated for leukemia and lymphoma or who received a stem cell transplant. Researchers found that older age and active treatment were risk factors for developing severe tiredness in these patients.
Some background
Cancer treatment leads to severe tiredness (fatigue) over time. This may impact hugely on quality of life, especially in children. There are many ways to measure this level of tiredness. It is important to research tiredness in cancer treatment of children in order to reduce or avoid it.
Methods & findings
502 patients treated for cancer or who received a stem cell transplant were included in the study. 354 patients had leukemia or lymphoma. Tiredness was measured through several questionnaires.
414 of all children (82.5%) reported some level of tiredness. 123 (24.5%) reported a severe level of tiredness. Children aged 11-14 and 15-18 reported more tiredness than children aged 8-10. Patients currently receiving cancer treatment in the hospital also reported higher levels of tiredness compared to those who had finished treatment and. Patients who had received a stem cell transplant were 2.58-times more likely to report bothersome tiredness.
The bottom line
The study concluded that tiredness is a common symptom in children treated for cancer and that it was related to age and active treatment.
The fine print
This study evaluated general tiredness. It did not differentiate between different types of tiredness such as mental or physical tiredness. More studies are needed to assess how to reduce fatigue.
Published By :
Supportive care in cancer: official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
Date :
Nov 26, 2018
