Analysis of handwriting of children during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background. Children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) often c omplain about handwriting problems. Procedure. Using a computerized writing task, we have prospectively studied the processes necessary for the produc tion of handwriting movements in I I children (5-12 years old) during treat ment for ALL. Children were tested at time points closely related to the vi ncristine administration. Results and Conclusions. Children treated for ALL drew slower, with longer pause durations and increased drawing pressure. C hildren were able to overcome the problems, except for a consistently incre ased drawing pressure. This increased drawing pressure may be an attempt of the children to obtain sufficient kinesthetic information and thus can be seen as an adequate adaptation mechanism in case of peripheral neuropathy d ue to the neurotoxic effects of vincristine. However, neurotoxic effects of other cytostatic drugs cannot be excluded. Med Pediatr Oncol 2001;37:393-3 99. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.