Verhaltensauffälligkeiten, emotionale auffälligkeiten und körperliche beschwerden nach therapie einer akuten lymphoblastischen leukämie (ALL) im kindesalter - Indikation zu einer psychoonkologischen nachsorge in der pädiatrischen onkologie

In a multicenter cross sectional study we examined 103 former patients suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on average 7 years after end of therapy. These 103 former ALL patients were examined with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) (German version designed by Achenbach and Edelbrock), in order to evaluate remarkable behaviors, emotional changes and physical complaints as late sequelae. In the analysis a special meaning comes to the so-called "critical items" and the total value of the CBCL scores. If one takes the cut off score from 30, then there are 31/103 patients (30%) documented as pathological. According to the criterion of "more than 2 critical items" 19/104 (18%) patients exhibited psychologically pathological results. Analyzing the results of our study, 20 - 30% of the former patients represent impairments in "attention disturbances", "social retreat", "fear/depression" and "aggressive behavior". Intermediate evaluations and/or interventions were not accomplished by routine. We conclude that regular psycho-oncological re-examinations are indicated, in order to be able to intervene promptly if necessary.