Major reasons for hospitalization to icu of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A literature review

Abstract

Relevance: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common malignancy in children. Approximately 85% of ALLs have B-cell origin, and 15% are T-cell ALLs. Many patients diagnosed with hematologic cancer will require hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) at some point in their treatment.

The aim was to study the available literature on clinical deterioration in patients with АLL admitted to the ICU, the clinical significance and prognostic value of causes of clinical deterioration, and adverse outcomes in patients with АLL staying in the ICU.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study approach was used. We reviewed published sources from 2016 to 2023 to collect data on major reasons for ALL patients’ hospitalization to ICU.

Results: First, the patient’s age at the time of initial diagnosis of ALL is crucial. Cure rates for B-cell ALL are higher between 1 and 9 years of age than in other age groups. Second, the initial white blood cell count during diagnosis is a prognostic indicator. Third, the specific subtype of ALL also affects prognosis. The risk factors emphasize the importance of comorbidities and infectious diseases, as well as monitoring and managing pulmonary and cardiovascular function in patients to avoid hospitalization in the ICU. The main causes of hospitalization in the ICU  are complications related to chemotherapy, infection, and unplanned hospitalizations. Compared to normal-risk patients, high-risk patients had a higher rate of OIT hospitalization in the ICU. It is important to control chemotherapy and infections to reduce the number of admissions to the ICU in this group.

Conclusion: Chemotherapy, concomitant and infectious diseases, hypoxia, and hemodynamic instability are reasons for hospitalization of these patients to ICU. The condition of various organs and systems shall be monitored.