Hair macroelements content in children after the completion of chemotherapy

Hair macroelement content in children in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphomas was assessed. The oncology group included 150 children (59 girls/91 boys), and the control group included 447 children (206 girls/241 boys). The content of chemical elements in the hair was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The study revealed a significant increase in calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) levels and a decrease in potassium (K) and sodium (Na) levels in boys (p < 0.05). Girls showed a significant decrease in the levels of K and P compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The identified gender differences must be taken into account when assessing and correcting the level of elements in the hair of children.