Skeletal morbidity in children receiving chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its association with mineral homeostasis and duration of inpatient stay.

Background: Reduced activity, older age, and abnormal bone mineral status are considered as important determinants of poor bone health in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The independent contribution of these factors toward skeletal morbidity (SM) requires further investigation.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of activity, age, and mineral status over the first 12 months of chemotherapy on subsequent SM.