Neurological Complications in Children With Cancer: Experience From a Single Center in Türkiye

OpenAlex İngilizce

Objective: This study aimed to determine the neurological complications, etiological factors, and sequelae in children with cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study examined the etiological factors, treatments, and outcomes of neurological complications in 794 children diagnosed with cancer at Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine. Results: The average age of the participants was 6.8 years (mean 6.8±4.8 years), including 448 (56.4%) boys, and 346 (43.6%) girls. A total of 506 neurological complications were identified in 313 children (39.4%). The most common neurological complications were walking difficulties, headaches, convulsions, and disorders affecting strength, vision, and hearing. The rate of neurological complications was 26.6% among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with no significant association found between risk groups and the occurrence of neurological complications. However, a significant relationship was observed between neurological complications and increased mortality. Conclusion: The rate of neurological complications was found to be higher in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) compared to those with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Neurological complications emerge as a risk factor for mortality among children with systemic cancer.