Children with leukemia are at increased risk for which of the following complications?

Children with leukemia are particularly vulnerable to various complications due to their immunocompromised state and the effects of both the disease and its treatments. Increased intracranial pressure can arise as a complication of leukemia, especially if there is involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) or as a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy, which may lead to conditions such as cerebral edema or the development of leukemic infiltration in the brain.

The likelihood of increased intracranial pressure is often associated with neurological symptoms, and monitoring for changes in behavior, headaches, or neurological deficits becomes crucial in these patients. Managing these potential complications is an important aspect of care for children undergoing treatment for leukemia.

In contrast, while conditions such as allergic reactions, joint infections, and developmental delays may occur in leukemia patients, they are not directly linked to the increased risk profile that comes with the disease in the same way increased intracranial pressure is. The focus on CNS complications highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive management in these children.