J Pediatr Health Care. 2025 Mar 6:S0891-5245(25)00036-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2025.01.009. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in children is associated with diverse symptoms affecting quality of life and treatment efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate symptom progression in children with ALL to inform targeted interventions.
METHODS: We assessed children with ALL from January 2023 to June 2024 using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for Children (MSAS-C) at different chemotherapy stages.
RESULTS: A total of 102 children were included and they experienced an average of 15.52 symptoms. Initially, three symptom clusters predominated: emotional, gastrointestinal, and somatic. As chemotherapy advanced through induction and consolidation phases, the symptom profile expanded to include neurological, self-image disturbance, and skin and mucosal symptoms. During the maintenance phase, the clusters were emotional, gastrointestinal, somatic, neurological, and self-image disturbance.
CONCLUSION: Symptom clusters in pediatric ALL patients change dynamically with chemotherapy phases, highlighting the need for meticulous assessment tailored interventions to enhance clinical management and patient care.
PMID:40057853 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedhc.2025.01.009
