Functional status in children with leukemia after chemotherapy: A survey based analysis in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Leukemia is a disease occurring due to a defective hematopoietic tissue that endangers the health and life of children. Children with leukemia have a decreased functional status. However, there is no literature examining the functional status of children with leukemia after their treatment.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the functional status of children with leukemia after chemotherapy.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 89 patients. The ethical approval was obtained having reference number LCPT/DPT/4566. Data was collected from Children’s Hospital, INMOL Cancer Hospital, Lahore General Hospital and Jinnah Hospital. The duration of the study was six months. The sampling technique used was non-probability Convenient Sampling. The Lansky Play-Performance scale was used to assess the functional status of leukemia in children. Newly diagnosed patients aged between 4 to 15 years were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Variables were presented in the form of percentages and frequencies.

Results: The results showed that out of 89 patients, majority of patients i.e. 46.1% (n=41) were found to be severely restricted, 41.5% (n=37) were found to face mild to moderate activity restriction n=41, 12.4% (n=11) were able to carry on normal activity, and no special care was needed.

Conclusion: The study concluded that majority of children with leukemia after receiving sessions of chemotherapy were moderately to severely restricted in performing their daily life activities.