Risk Factors of Armenian et al for Long-Term Pulmonary Function in a Patient Who Has Survived Childhood Cancer

 

Patient selection: survivor of childhood cancer (cancer diagnosed at age < 22 years of age)

 

Risk factors for restrictive lung disease:

(1) age < 16 years at diagnosis (odds ratio 3)

(2) chest radiation dose > 20 Gy (odds ratio 5.6)

 

Risk factors for diffusion defect (diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide):

(1) female gender (odds ratio 3.9)

(2) chest radiation dose > 20 Gy (odds ratio 11.3) or .1 to 20 Gy (odds ratio 6.4)

 

A patient with risk factors for a diffusion defect may deteriorate over time even if initially not affected.

 

All patients should avoid smoking, especially risk factors are present.