Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Purpose
We aimed at describing for the first time peripheral small-fiber neurotoxicity and pain sensitization in survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia after stem cell transplantation (SCT).Methods
In a cross-sectional, retrospective, single-center study, we assessed 25 relapse-free long-term survivors (median age at SCT: 11 ± 4.9 years; median time between SCT and testing: 8.25 years, 19 males) using a reduced version of the pediatric-modified total neuropathy score for clinical assessment and Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST).Inclusion criteria
[Formula: see text] 6 years old at testing, [Formula: see text] 18 years old at time of SCT, [Formula: see text] 1 year between SCT and testing.Results
Nine patients (36%) had peripheral neuropathy as defined by the clinical red-pmTNS (≥ 4). The QST parameters mechanical pain sensitivity, mechanical detection threshold, thermal sensory limen, vibration detection threshold and pressure pain threshold were significantly abnormal in the survivor cohort (p < 0.0038). Except for one, all survivors showed at least one abnormal QST parameter. When using QST, signs of small and large fiber dysfunction were present in 22 (88%) and 17 (68%) survivors, respectively. More than half of all survivors were found to experience pathologic sensitization to pain.Conclusions and implications for cancer survivors
Survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia after SCT are at high risk for long-term peripheral neuropathy with a dominating small-fiber and pain sensitization pattern.
SUBMITTER: Ruscher V
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8363542 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature