Incidence and Risk Factors for Hypertension During Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Therapy

ObjectiveTo determine the incidence of hypertension among children during the induction and re-induction phases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy and association with possible risk factors.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 208 consecutive pediatric (age <18 y) ALL patients, treated per BFM-95 protocol between January 2009 and December 2013. Data were analyzed to determine the incidence of hypertension and risk factors for its development.ResultsIncidence of hypertension requiring antihypertensive medication, was 29% (61/208) during induction and 17% (33/198) during re-induction (P=0.003). Median (range) age of patients developing hypertension was 4 y (4 mo to 8 y). Age <10 y and presence of constipation were independently predictive of hypertension by multivariate analysis.ConclusionThe present study reports a high incidence of hypertension among children undergoing ALL induction therapy.