Three minute step test :
All the 60 HL survivors were able to complete three minute step test. Median pre and post
test saturation 98 and 98 respectively, signifying that there was no desaturation post 3 minute
step test. Mean pre and post test heart rate are 90.5±15.44 and 127.5±19.50 respectively. Post
test heart rate for all the patients were within the expected rise in heart rate post exertion (i,e
69% predicted maximal heart rate to 80% of predicted maximal heart rate) (31,32).
Predicted maximal heart rate was measured by Tanaka equation (Predicted maximal heart
rate = 208-0.7*age) (33). Parameters of 3 minute step test are detailed in table 3.
Normal and abnormal pulmonary function tests of the patients were compared, children
above age of 10 years at evaluation had higher percentage (90.91%) of abnormal PFT when
compared to children of age less than 10 years (9.09%) at evaluation (p=0.043). Patients with significant respiratory illness in the past was found to a be statistically significant associated factor for pulmonary dysfunction (p=0.017) Patients who received radiation had
higher percentage (54.55%) of abnormal PFT than patients who did not received radiotherapy
(45.45%) (p=0.071). Patients who received involved field radiation to mediastinum shows a
trend towards developing abnormal PFT (p=0.064). Patients who received chemotherapy and
radiation at age of less than 10 years had higher percentage (54.55% and 36.36%
respectively) of abnormal PFT than patients of age less than 10 years (45.45% and 18.18%
respectively) (p=0.030, p=0.075 respectively). Associated factors for pulmonary dysfunction
are described in table 4.
Patients who received chemotherapy (bleomycin cumulative dose of >80mg/m2) and
radiotherapy had higher percentage (54.55%) of abnormal PFT than patients who received
only chemotherapy (bleomycin cumulative dose of >80mg/m2) (13.33%).