Risk factors and treatment for steroid-related mood and behavior symptoms in preschool children with leukemia: A case series

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2017 Feb;64(2):343-345. doi: 10.1002/pbc.26220. Epub 2016 Sep 12.

Abstract

Treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relies on systemic corticosteroids for remission; however, they can cause significant mood and behavior changes that interfere with quality of life and may increase risk for injury. This case series reports on preschool children with preexisting developmental and psychiatric risk factors who presented with behavioral side effects that required intervention. Identification of these vulnerable children may provide opportunities for early intervention, anticipatory guidance, and effective treatment to minimize behavioral side effects and improve quality of life and safety during ALL treatment.

Keywords: behavior; corticosteroids; leukemia; mood; supportive care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anxiety Disorders / chemically induced
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Depressive Disorder / chemically induced
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mood Disorders / chemically induced
  • Mood Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mood Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / psychology
  • Prognosis
  • Quality of Life
  • Steroids / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Steroids