Cohort study of severe sepsis during treatment for childhood leukemia and long-term sequelae among adult survivors

Children undergoing treatment for leukemia are at increased risk of severe sepsis. The association of severe sepsis during anticancer therapy and long-term organ dysfunction in adult survivors of leukemia is not clear. A retrospective cohort study among 644 adult survivors of childhood leukemia found that severe sepsis during treatment occurred in 46 participants (7.1%). Severe sepsis during treatment was associated with significantly increased rates of moderate to severe neurocognitive dysfunction. Sepsis during treatment was not associated with other identified chronic health conditions in survivors.