Physical performance in long-term survivors of acute leukaemia in childhood

The aim of this study was to assess the physical performance in long-term survivors of acute leukaemia in childhood and to evaluate the effects of anthracycline therapy. Electrocardiography, echocardiography and spiroergometry were carried out on 56 patients aged 9–28 years, of whom 44 patients had been treated with 15–483 mg/m2 doxorubicin (or equivalent). Acute leukaemia had been diagnosed 1.5–16 years earlier. Of the patients 75% reached normal maximal oxygen uptake, 69% normal oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold and 95% normal maximal work rate. Of the patients 75% achieved adequate values for maximal heart rate and 78% normal blood lactate concentration. No difference was seen between patients treated with and without anthracyclines.