Glucocorticoid therapy is an important component of the treatment regimen for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma by inducing apoptosis of lymphoblastic cells. However, the use of supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoids can lead to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. This suppression can result in a reduced cortisol response, leading to impaired stress response and inadequate host defence against infections, which can ultimately result in morbidity and mortality. To date, there is insufficient high-quality research to inform evidence-based guidelines for glucocorticoid replacement therapy in this populatioon.
Hence, in this prospective multicenter study, we aim to analyze the patterns of suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression in children receiving glucocorticoid therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma.
