Endocrine late sequelae in long-term survivors of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract

Background: Aim of this study was to investigate the long-term endocrine effects of treatment of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Patients and methods: A single-center cohort of 84 survivors (22 females) was included in this retrospective study. Median age was 21 years (9-40 years) and time after cessation of therapy 12 years (4-30 years). Height, weight, percentage fat, lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density of total body (BMD(TB)) and bone mineral density of lumbar spine (BMD(LS)) were measured. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), inhibin B and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured. Results were compared with Dutch controls.

Results: Height was lower in survivors [mean standard deviation score (SDS) -0.36, P = 0.002], but further analysis showed that shorter stature was already present at diagnosis (mean SDS -0.28, P = 0.023). Body mass index, percentage fat, BMC, BMD(TB) and BMD(LS) were not different from controls. LBM was lower in survivors (mean SDS -0.47, P = 0.008). TSH, fT4 and IGF-1 were normal in all survivors. Three of 20 adult females had low AMH levels and 23 of 42 adult males had low inhibin B levels.

Conclusions: Twelve years after cessation of treatment, NHL survivors did not develop adiposity, osteoporosis or thyroid disease. Male survivors may be at risk for infertility.