In a nutshell
This study aimed to identify risk factors leading to a longer hospital stay in children being treated with chemotherapy for high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study found that a high amount of young patients treated for high-risk ALL experienced a longer hospital stay.
Some background
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is often treated with strong chemotherapy which is associated with side effects. These can lead to longer hospital stays in these patients. It is important to research the factors which lead to longer hospital stays after ALL treatment.
Methods & findings
Information on 73 patients treated with chemotherapy for high-risk ALL were included in this review. Patient records included information on treatments and reasons for longer hospital stays.
42 (57%) patients were discharged on day 4 of the initial treatment. 31 (43%) patients experienced a long hospital stay of between 16 and 42 days. This was due to factors such as organ failure, infection, or problems with metabolism. Patients in this group were more likely to have a low platelet count (part of blood involved in clotting) and kidney problems on day 4 of treatment.
26 patients were re-admitted to hospital within 20 days of discharge. 16 (36%) of these were patients discharged on Day 4 and 11 (35%) of these were from patients who initially experienced a longer hospital stay. Reasons included fever associated with low white blood cells, low blood pressure, and dehydration.
The bottom line
The study concluded that a significant amount of patients diagnosed and treated for high-risk ALL experienced a longer hospital stay.
The fine print
This study had a small sample size which may affect data and results.
Published By :
Leukemia Research
Date :
Jun 30, 2018
