Body composition analysis using dexa-scan and its correlation with arm-anthropometry in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors from low-middle income country

Introduction: Deranged body-composition (BC) as a late-effect in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors (cALLS) is a concern with limited data from low-middle-income countries (LMIC).We studied the prevalence of high-adiposity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity (SO) in cALLS and factors affecting them. Methodology:This cross-sectional study enrolled cALLS>7 years of age.BC was measured using DEXA-scan and arm-anthropometry.Prevalence of high-adiposity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) and demographic, therapy-related and endocrine factors affecting them were noted.Results: Fifty-nine cALLS with median age 66 months (range:6-212) at diagnosis and median duration 14 months (range:1-113) post completion of therapy for ALL were analyzed.Total of 36/59 (61%) had deranged BC: High adiposity-28/59(47%), sarcopenia-20/59(34%), SO-9/59(15%).Metabolic syndrome (MS) was seen in 7/59(12%).cALLS with lower mean-age at diagnosis and at enrolment had high-adiposity levels and sarcopenia.Sarcopenia was seen more commonly in females, prepubertal children and cALLS with lower mean-interval from therapy completion.Obesity, sarcopenia & SO were not significantly associated with age, sex, type of ALL, puberty status, steroid dose and cranialirradiation.High leptin levels were seen in cALLS with obesity & SO.Vit D levels were lower in cALLS with high adiposity and sarcopenia.