Cognitive consequences and central nervous system injury following treatment for childhood leukemia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between membrane damage and intellectual and academic abilities in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and pilot test a math intervention for children with ALL who were affected. DATA SOURCES: Research studies and review articles. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the prophylactic central nervous system (CNS) treatment for long-term disease-free survival, many children with ALL subsequently experience declines in intellectual and academic skills. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Improving academic abilities in children who have received CNS treatment is of high priority and may have longlasting implications on quality of life.