An anthropometric study in children with chronic myeloid leukemia on imatinib.

Abstract

6554 Background: The long-term adverse effects, especially in children with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) on imatinib are unknown. There is very little literature addressing the adverse effects on growth in children on imatinib. We analysed the effect of imatinib on anthropometry in children with CML. Methods: The records of children ≤ 18 years with CML diagnosed at our institute between 2003 and 2011 were retrospectively analysed. Children who received imatinib for at least one year and on regular follow up were eligible for growth assessment. The data was analysed using WHO AnthroPlus v1.0.4 and SPSS.v19 software and the Height for age and BMI for age/sex “z” scores were computed. Results: A total of 61 children were started on imatinib. But, only 37 children were eligible for assessment of growth. Of them 3 were further excluded as the WHO AnthroPlus software supported data only till 19 completed years. Median age was 12 years (range: 5 – 17). 17 children were in the prepubertal age (5-11years) at commencement of imatinib. The mean duration of imatinib therapy was 41.24 months (range: 12–91). The overall z- scores for height for age (HAZ) on follow up were significantly (p =0.029) lower, compared to baseline. However when analysed according to age groups, the HAZ was found significantly (p=0.005) lower among 5-11 year age group compared to age group of ≥12 years. No significant differences were observed in BMI for age/sex z scores by age groups, over the period. Conclusions: Imatinib appears to cause growth retardation in prepubertal children. Further follow up may shed more light on the degree of stunting and the deficit in the final adult height.