Comparison of the Linear Growth of Children with Bone Marrow Transplants to Normal Population Data Using Z-scores

Abstract

Objective To compare linear growth of pediatric autologous bone marrow transplant patients and allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients to the normal population data using Z-scores. Design Study was conducted as a retrospective chart review of patients who received autologous bone marrow transplants and allogeneic bone marrow transplants, recording heights at time of bone marrow transplant and at one-year intervals post-transplantation. Subjects One hundred and six patients who received a bone marrow transplantation between November 2, 1990 and December 31, 1996 at a midsouth pediatric hospital, were classified according to type of transplantation received, either autologous or allogeneic, and their conditioning regimen. Group one received an autologous bone marrow transplantation and was conditioned with chemotherapy. Group two received an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and was conditioned with chemotherapy and total body irradiation. Statistical analyses Descriptive statistics were reported on race, sex, and age for the autologous bone marrow transplant group and the allogeneic bone marrow transplant group. Z-scores were used to compare linear growth of the autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplant groups to normal population using the EPI Info, Version 6 computer program distributed by the Center of Disease Control (CDC). Results Neither group had a significant difference in mean Z-score when compared to normal population. Conclusion The results of this study indicate neither type of transplantation and/or conditioning regimen effect linear growth outcomes. Children who receive either an autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation do not appear to experience a decrease in linear growth compared to the normal population.