Impact of Dexamethasone on Quality of Life in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Author Information
Author(s): de Vries Machteld AG, van Litsenburg Raphaƫle RL, Huisman Jaap, Grootenhuis Martha A, Versluys A Birgitta, Kaspers Gert Jan L, Gemke Reinoud JBJ
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Quality of life is more impaired during periods on dexamethasone than during periods without dexamethasone.
Conclusion
Dexamethasone was associated with decreased quality of life, particularly affecting pain, cognitive functioning, emotion/behaviour, and physical functioning.
Supporting Evidence
- Quality of life was significantly lower than population norms.
- QoL was more impaired during periods on dexamethasone.
- Specific domains like pain and cognitive functioning showed significant deterioration.
Takeaway
Kids with leukemia feel worse when they take a medicine called dexamethasone, especially in how they feel pain and think.
Methodology
A multicentre prospective cohort study assessing quality of life using generic and disease-specific questionnaires at two time points during treatment.
Potential Biases
Parental counselling on side effects may have influenced responses.
Limitations
Small number of participants at T1 and potential bias due to parental reporting.
Participant Demographics
41 children, mean age 5.6 years, 56% male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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