Title page: neurocogntive outcomes in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: experience from a teritary care centre in india

BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive deficits are an important late effect in survivors of acute lymphoblastic Leukemia(ALL). Data from low middle income countries is scarce and highly influenced by biological and cultural variations. Such data would be useful for highlighting the importance of early intervention in an already disadvantaged population. PROCEDURE: 70 consecutive survivors of childhood ALL were evaluated for neurocognitive deficits by the Indian adaptation of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition(WISC-INDIA). Prevalence of neurocognitive deficits was calculated based on Full Scale Intelligence Quotient(FSIQ) and scores in discrete domains like Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory and Processing Speed were calculated and compared to baseline characteristics, chemotherapy and radiation dose received. RESULTS: The mean FSIQ was 86.1 ± 20.5, with significant neurocognitive deficit(FSIQ <90) being prevalent in 50%(95% CI 38% to 62%) of the cohort. The proportion of survivors with deficits in individual domains of verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed were 49%, 50%, 47% and 44% respectively. The odds of having deficits in neurocognitive function was higher when a child belonged to lower socioeconomic strata, had parents with less than primary school education and whose birth order was higher(All p<0.05). Age at diagnosis, current age at assessment, receiving lower or higher dose of radiotherapy, high dose methotrexate or cytarabine did not have a direct impact on neurocognitive function. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The current need is to develop country specific neurocognition assessment tools to initiate early screening and develop culturally appropriate preventive and rehabilitative interventions.