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Weile KS, Helligsoe ASL, von Holstein SL, Winther JF, Mathiasen R, Hasle H, Henriksen LT. Patient- and parent-reported diagnostic delay in children with central nervous system tumors in Denmark. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31128. [PMID: 38814259 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic delays in childhood tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) pose a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to map diagnostic delay and presenting symptoms in Denmark. METHODS The study was a retrospective questionnaire study, mapping delay and symptoms in pediatric patients (0-17 years), diagnosed with a CNS tumor from 2015 to 2019. Descriptive analysis was performed to measure delay in days, reported as total diagnostic interval (TDI), patient interval (PI), and diagnostic interval (DI). Analysis of symptoms, contacts to healthcare professionals, and socioeconomic status was also performed. RESULTS We included 89 patients (median age 7.0 years, 54% male). The TDI was median of 106 days (range: 0-2694 days). Low-grade tumors had longer TDI than high-grade tumors (125 vs. 43 days; p ≤ .02). Patients aged 15-17 displayed the longest TDI (median 665 days). Number of symptoms at onset were inversely associated with longer TDI in patients presenting one symptom (247 days) and patients presenting two to three (110 days) or greater than three complaints (66 days). PI was not associated with sex (p = .14), tumor grade (p = .63), location (p = .32), or socioeconomic status (p = .82). Most frequent single complaint at onset was headache (19%), most frequent combination of symptoms was headache and vomiting (60%). CONCLUSION We found TDIs longer than reported in contemporary publications. TDI was longer in patients with low-grade tumors and only few symptoms at the time of onset. The findings support the crucial need of awareness and improved diagnostic tools to recognize and interpret symptoms to promote timely diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Synne Weile
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Sophie Lind Helligsoe
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sarah Linea von Holstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Department of Clinical Medicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - René Mathiasen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Louise Tram Henriksen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Weile KS, Mathiasen R, Winther JF, Hasle H, Henriksen LT. Hjernetegn.dk-The Danish Central Nervous System Tumor Awareness Initiative Digital Decision Support Tool: Design and Implementation Report. JMIR Med Inform 2024; 12:e58886. [PMID: 39052326 PMCID: PMC11310640 DOI: 10.2196/58886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood tumors in the central nervous system (CNS) have longer diagnostic delays than other pediatric tumors. Vague presenting symptoms pose a challenge in the diagnostic process; it has been indicated that patients and parents may be hesitant to seek help, and health care professionals (HCPs) may lack awareness and knowledge about clinical presentation. To raise awareness among HCPs, the Danish CNS tumor awareness initiative hjernetegn.dk was launched. OBJECTIVE This study aims to present the learnings from designing and implementing a decision support tool for HCPs to reduce diagnostic delay in childhood CNS tumors. The aims also include decisions regarding strategies for dissemination and use of social media, and an evaluation of the digital impact 6 months after launch. METHODS The phases of developing and implementing the tool include participatory co-creation workshops, designing the website and digital platforms, and implementing a press and media strategy. The digital impact of hjernetegn.dk was evaluated through website analytics and social media engagement. IMPLEMENTATION (RESULTS) hjernetegn.dk was launched in August 2023. The results after 6 months exceeded key performance indicators. The analysis showed a high number of website visitors and engagement, with a plateau reached 3 months after the initial launch. The LinkedIn campaign and Google Search strategy also generated a high number of impressions and clicks. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the initiative has been successfully integrated, raising awareness and providing a valuable tool for HCPs in diagnosing childhood CNS tumors. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, co-creation, and ongoing community management, as well as broad dissemination strategies when introducing a digital support tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Synne Weile
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - René Mathiasen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Louise Tram Henriksen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Irshad HA, Shariq SF, Khan MAA, Shaikh T, Kakar WG, Shakir M, Hankinson TC, Enam SA. Delay in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Brain Tumors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01274. [PMID: 38984834 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Vague symptoms and a lack of pathognomonic features hinder the timely diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors (PBTs). However, patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) must also bear the brunt of a multitude of additional factors contributing to diagnostic delays and subsequently affecting survival. Therefore, this study aims to assess these factors and quantify the durations associated with diagnostic delays for PBTs in LMICs. METHODS A systematic review of extant literature regarding children from LMICs diagnosed with brain tumors was conducted. Articles published before June 2023 were identified using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model through R Statistical Software. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. RESULTS A total of 40 studies including 2483 patients with PBT from 21 LMICs were identified. Overall, nonspecific symptoms (62.5%) and socioeconomic status (45.0%) were the most frequently reported factors contributing to diagnostic delays. Potential sources of patient-associated delay included lack of parental awareness (45.0%) and financial constraints (42.5%). Factors contributing to health care system delays included misdiagnoses (42.5%) and improper referrals (32.5%). A pooled mean prediagnostic symptomatic interval was calculated to be 230.77 days (127.58-333.96), the patient-associated delay was 146.02 days (16.47-275.57), and the health care system delay was 225.05 days (-64.79 to 514.89). CONCLUSION A multitude of factors contribute to diagnostic delays in LMICs. The disproportionate effect of these factors is demonstrated by the long interval between symptom onset and the definitive diagnosis of PBTs in LMICs, when compared with high-income countries. While evidence-based policy recommendations may improve the pace of diagnosis, policy makers will need to be cognizant of the unique challenges patients and health care systems face in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Taha Shaikh
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Shakir
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Todd C Hankinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Syed Ather Enam
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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Wu Y, Esguerra JM, Liang S, Low SY. Feasibility of Augmented Reality for Pediatric Giant Supratentorial Tumors: A Report of Three Cases. Cureus 2024; 16:e56750. [PMID: 38523873 PMCID: PMC10960069 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Giant supratentorial brain tumors (GSBTs) in children are uncommon and extremely challenging entities unique to pediatric neurosurgery. Factors such as young patient age, need for urgent intervention, intraoperative blood loss, and ongoing raised intracranial pressure symptoms are examples of difficulties faced. Recently, there has been a growing body of literature on augmented reality (AR) in adult neurosurgery. In contrast, the use of AR in pediatric neurosurgery is comparatively less. Nonetheless, we postulate that AR systems will be helpful for understanding spatial relationships of complex GSBT anatomy for preoperative planning in a timely fashion. This study describes our experience in trialing AR as a potential tool for three cases of pediatric GSBTs. Overall, the AR platform offers our neurosurgical team excellent visuospatial insights for preoperative decision-making. However, we observe that substantial time is required to set up the AR system prior to each clinical case discussion by the neurosurgical team. In congruency with existing literature, our preliminary results report that there are still obstacles that need to be addressed before the technology can be seamlessly implemented into the clinical workflow for these time-sensitive childhood brain tumors. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the potential use of AR for complex pediatric GSBT cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Wu
- Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, SGP
| | - Jonis M Esguerra
- Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, SGP
- Neurological Surgery, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu, PHL
| | - Sai Liang
- Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, SGP
| | - Sharon Yy Low
- Neurosurgical Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, SGP
- Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, SGP
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Perez-Roca E, Negreiros T, Casavilca-Zambrano S, Ojeda-Medina L, Díaz-Coronado R. Prognostic factors of pediatric ependymomas at a National Cancer Reference Center in Peru. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1331790. [PMID: 38298447 PMCID: PMC10828566 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1331790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ependymomas are central nervous system tumors that significantly impact the quality of life and carry a high mortality rate. Both the disease itself and its treatment cause significant morbidity. At a national level in Peru, there are no reports on clinical characteristics of the disease. Methods This retrospective study captured patient aged less than 19 years with a diagnosis of ependymoma from 2012 to 2022 at a tertiary center in Lima. Results 85 patients were included with a median follow-up time was 51.6 months. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 55.89% (95% CI: 44.28 - 65.99) and 37.71% (95% CI: 26,21-49,16) respectively. The main prognostic factors identified were completed treatment (p=0.019), adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.048), presence of metastasis (p=0.012), and disease recurrence (p=0.02). Conclusions The survival of patients with ependymoma is below that reported in high-income countries. Incomplete treatment and treatment abandonment are factors that negatively impact the prognosis. Further studies are needed to identify barriers in the referral and treatment process for patients with ependymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatiana Negreiros
- Radiotherapy Department, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Luis Ojeda-Medina
- Neurosurgery Department, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Rosdali Díaz-Coronado
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Peru
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Aguirre AO, Lim J, Kuo CC, Ruggiero N, Siddiqi M, Monteiro A, Baig AA, Housley SB, Recker MJ, Li V, Reynolds RM. Social Determinants of Health and Associations With Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With Brain Tumors. Neurosurgery 2024; 94:108-116. [PMID: 37526439 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Social determinants of health (SDOH) are nonmedical factors that affect health outcomes. Limited investigation has been completed on the potential association of these factors to adverse outcomes in pediatric populations. In this study, the authors aimed to analyze the effects of SDOH disparities and their relationship with outcomes after brain tumor resection or biopsy in children. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of their center's pediatric patients with brain tumor. Black race, public insurance, median household income, and distance to hospital were the investigated SDOH factors. Univariate analysis was completed between number of SDOH factors and patient demographics. Multivariate linear regression models were created to identify coassociated determinants and outcomes. RESULTS A total of 272 patients were identified and included in the final analysis. Among these patients, 81 (29.8%) had no SDOH disparities, 103 (37.9%) had 1, 71 (26.1%) had 2, and 17 (6.2%) had 3. An increased number of SDOH disparities was associated with increased percentage of missed appointments ( P = .002) and emergency room visits ( P = .004). Univariate analysis demonstrated increased missed appointments ( P = .01), number of postoperative imaging ( P = .005), and number of emergency room visits ( P = .003). In multivariate analysis, decreased median household income was independently associated with increased length of hospital stay ( P = .02). CONCLUSION The SDOH disparities are prevalent and impactful in this vulnerable population. This study demonstrates the need for a shift in research focus toward identifying the full extent of the impact of these factors on postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients with brain tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O Aguirre
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Jaims Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gates Vascular Institute at Kaleida Health, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Cathleen C Kuo
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Nicco Ruggiero
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Manhal Siddiqi
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Andre Monteiro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gates Vascular Institute at Kaleida Health, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Ammad A Baig
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gates Vascular Institute at Kaleida Health, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Steven B Housley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gates Vascular Institute at Kaleida Health, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Matthew J Recker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gates Vascular Institute at Kaleida Health, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Veetai Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, Buffalo , New York , USA
| | - Renée M Reynolds
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at University at Buffalo, Buffalo , New York , USA
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, Buffalo , New York , USA
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Sampagar A, Keerthana S, Dias MC, Reddy NA, Patil N. A Study of Factors Influencing Delayed Diagnosis in Pediatric Cancers: A Step Towards Better Outcomes-A Cross-sectional Study. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:327-332. [PMID: 37027235 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Annually, India contributes to one-fifth of newly diagnosed pediatric cancers worldwide. Poor outcome in India as compared with developed nations is mainly attributed to delayed diagnosis and study of factors influencing delay in diagnosis holds paramount importance in formulating strategies and counter-measures to improve survival. It was a cross-sectional study conducted on children diagnosed with malignancy at a tertiary care hospital. Diagnosis delay was defined and further divided into patient delay and physician delay. Various patient-related factors and socioeconomic factors that could affect diagnosis were studied. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariate linear regression. Of 185 patients enrolled, median diagnosis delay, patient delay, and physician delays were 59, 30, and 7 days respectively. Median diagnosis delay was significantly higher in younger children, children of illiterate parents, and low income. Median diagnosis delay in children presenting to a general practitioner (9 [4 to 29] days) was higher than those presenting to a pediatrician (5.5 [2 to 18] days). Sex, occupation of parents, and distance from oncology center did not affect time for diagnosis. We concluded that augmentation of the parent's attitudes, increased awareness, and decentralization of specialized pediatric care to rural areas can significantly reduce mortality from, otherwise, curable malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarapu Keerthana
- Department of Pediatrics, KAHER Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi
| | - Merle Casia Dias
- Department of Pediatrics, KAHER Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi
| | | | - Neha Patil
- Department of Pediatrics, KAHER Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi
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Hallundbæk L, Hagstrøm S, Mathiasen R, Herlin T, Hasle H, Weile KS, Amstrup J, Brix N. Musculoskeletal misdiagnoses in children with brain tumors: A nationwide, multicenter case-control study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279549. [PMID: 37352313 PMCID: PMC10289381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood brain tumors belong to the cancer type with the longest diagnostic delay, the highest health care utilization prior to diagnosis, and the highest burden of long-term sequelae. We aimed to clarify whether prior musculoskeletal diagnoses in childhood brain cancer were misdiagnoses and whether it affected the diagnostic delay. STUDY DESIGN In this retrospective, chart-reviewed case-control study we compared 28 children with brain tumors and a prior musculoskeletal diagnosis to a sex and age-matched control group of 56 children with brain tumors and no prior musculoskeletal diagnosis. Using the Danish registries, the cases were identified from consecutive cases of childhood brain cancers in Denmark over 23 years (1996-2018). RESULTS Of 931 children with brain tumors, 3% (28/931) had a prior musculoskeletal diagnosis, of which 39% (11/28) were misdiagnoses. The misdiagnoses primarily included torticollis-related diagnoses which tended to a longer time interval from first hospital contact until a specialist was involved: 35 days (IQR 6-166 days) compared to 3 days (IQR 1-48 days), p = 0.07. When comparing the 28 children with a prior musculoskeletal diagnosis with a matched control group without a prior musculoskeletal diagnosis, we found no difference in the non-musculoskeletal clinical presentation, the diagnostic time interval, or survival. Infratentorial tumor location was associated with a seven-fold risk of musculoskeletal misdiagnosis compared to supratentorial tumor location. CONCLUSION Musculoskeletal misdiagnoses were rare in children with brain tumors and had no significant association to the diagnostic time interval or survival. The misdiagnoses consisted primarily of torticollis- or otherwise neck-related diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hallundbæk
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Søren Hagstrøm
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Rene Mathiasen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Troels Herlin
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Synne Weile
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jesper Amstrup
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ninna Brix
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Orduña PC, P Lubaton-Sacro CA. Factors associated with delayed diagnosis among Filipino pediatric brain tumor patients: a retrospective review. CNS Oncol 2022; 11:CNS89. [PMID: 35678529 PMCID: PMC9280403 DOI: 10.2217/cns-2022-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Determine delayed diagnosis measured by prediagnostic symptomatic interval (PSI) among Filipino pediatric brain tumor patients and identify associated factors. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively on Philippine General Hospital pediatric brain tumor patients from 2015 to 2019. PSI was calculated. Associated factors were determined. Results: 196 patients were included. Median PSI was 80.5 days. Longer PSI was significantly associated with older age, supratentorial and low-grade tumors, more physician consults prior to subspecialist referral, longer interval from neuroimaging request to facilitation, and those presenting with seizures (11-month delay), poor school performance (1-year delay), behavioral changes (1.3-year delay) and secondary amenorrhea (3-year delay). Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis among Filipino brain tumor patients is associated with age, tumor characteristics and symptoms that are uncommon in this condition. Awareness of these symptoms through physician education, close monitoring of patients, early subspecialist referral and better neuroimaging access may lead to earlier diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Orduña
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurosciences, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Cheryl Anne P Lubaton-Sacro
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurosciences, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
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Abu-Quider A, Asleh M. Ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in survival of children and adolescents with CNS tumors in Southern Israel. Neurooncol Pract 2022; 9:441-448. [DOI: 10.1093/nop/npac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
This study sought to evaluate survival of pediatric and adolescent patients with central nervous system (CNS) cancer in southern Israel, outline disparities between ethnic and socioeconomic groups (Bedouin Arabs compared to Jews) and evaluate the role of socioeconomic status (SES) in ethnic disparities.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted among 91 patients aged one to 20 years, who were diagnosed with CNS tumors between 2001 and 2017, and followed-up through 2020. Ethnic differences in survival were measured by age, sex, stage, histology and SES. One and 3-year survival rates were calculated. Multivariable regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted ethnic differences in survival rates.
Results
Ethnic differences in survival existed within all studied variables. All Bedouin patients lived in low SES settlements (All Bedouin settlement in Southern Israel are ranked in lower socioeconomic deciles). Twenty-eight patients had medulloblastoma. Seven (25%) presented with leptomeningeal disease or distant metastases. Medulloblastoma molecular subgroups were not assessed for logistic reasons. Three-year overall survival of Bedouins was 50% compared to 92.3% for Jews. Adjusted risk of death at 3 years was significantly higher for Bedouin patients (aHR 3.36, 95% CI 1.41–7.98, P = .006).
Conclusions
We conclude that Bedouin children with CNS tumors have significantly lower survival rates compared to Jewish children, and SES seems to play a major part in these disparities. Factors influencing these disparities should be addressed and public health interventions to eliminate these disparities should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abed Abu-Quider
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department, Saban Pediatric Medical Center, Soroka University Medical Center , Israel
| | - Mahdi Asleh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva , Israel
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11
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Zhang ZD, Fang HY, Pang C, Yang Y, Li SZ, Zhou LL, Bai GH, Sheng HS. Giant Pediatric Supratentorial Tumor: Clinical Feature and Surgical Strategy. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:870951. [PMID: 35558365 PMCID: PMC9086618 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.870951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the clinical character of giant pediatric supratentorial tumor (GPST) and explore prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed the clinical data comprising of 35 cases of GPST from a single center between January 2015 and December 2020. The tumor volume was measured by 3D slicer software based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to evaluate the short-term prognosis. RESULT The tumor volume varied from 27.3 to 632.8 ml (mean volume 129.8 ml/ median volume 82.8 ml). Postoperative histopathological types include ependymoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, choroid plexus papilloma (CPP), craniopharyngioma, primitive neuroectoderm tumor (PNET), choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC), immature teratoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT), anaplastic astrocytoma, and gangliocytoma. Tumors in children younger than 3 years and tumors located at the hemispheres appeared to be larger than their respective counterparts, though no statistical significance was found. A patient with giant immature teratoma died during the operation because of excessive bleeding. Postoperative complications include cerebrospinal fluid subgaleal collection/effusion, infection, neurological deficits, and seizures. The mean GOS score of patients with GPST in 6 months is 3.43 ± 1.12, and 83% of patients (29/35) showed improvement. Favorable GPST characteristics to indicated better GOS included small tumor (≤100 ml) (p = 0.029), low-grade (WHO I-II) (p = 0.001), and gross total resection (GTR) (p = 0.015). WHO grade was highly correlated with GOS score (correlation coefficient = -0.625, p < 0.001). GTR and tumor volume were also correlated (correlation coefficient = -0.428, p = 0.010). CONCLUSION The prognosis of GPST is highly correlated with the histopathological type. Smaller tumors are more likely to achieve GTR and might lead to a higher GOS score. Early diagnosis and GTR of the tumor are important for GPST management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Ding Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huang-Yi Fang
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chen Pang
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ze Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ling-Li Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hui Bai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Han-Song Sheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Muroi A, Takano S, Tsurubuchi T, Sekine T, Fukushima H, Suzuki R, Yamaki Y, Matsuda M, Akutsu H, Ishikawa E. Involvement of the optic pathway and outcome of visual function in patients with neurohypophyseal germ cell tumor. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:3191-3199. [PMID: 34338879 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with neurohypophyseal germ cell tumors (GCTs) typically present with visual problems. Hence, this study aimed to assess optic pathway involvement based on clinical and radiological findings and to validate the outcome of visual function. METHODS A total of 16 patients with newly diagnosed neurohypophyseal GCTs who were treated at the University of Tsukuba Hospital between 2000 and 2020 were included in this study. RESULTS The median interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was 173.5 days (range, 33-1588 days). Patients with visual disturbance at diagnosis had a longer time to diagnosis compared with those without. Ophthalmologic abnormalities were frequently observed, with an incidence rate of 69%. Fifty percent of patients exhibited optic pathway involvement detected via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Visual impairment was more severe in the patients with optic pathway involvement (p = 0.002). Post-treatment visual impairment was improved but was still significantly severe in patients with optic pathway involvement than in those without involvement (p = 0.010). Visual field deficit more likely remained with an improvement rate of 50%, whereas the improvement rate of visual acuity was 78%. Further, none developed late-onset visual deterioration during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Visual disturbance and optic pathway involvement are common in neurohypophyseal GCTs. Visual impairment particularly in patients with optic pathway involvement on MRI is more likely to remain at follow-up, although the outcome of visual function is acceptable in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Muroi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Shingo Takano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takao Tsurubuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Sekine
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroko Fukushima
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ryoko Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuni Yamaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masahide Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Akutsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Eiichi Ishikawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Lu SY, Satapathy SC, Wang SH, Zhang YD. PBTNet: A New Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Detecting Primary Brain Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:765654. [PMID: 34722549 PMCID: PMC8555415 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.765654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are among the leading human killers. There are over 120 different types of brain tumors, but they mainly fall into two groups: primary brain tumors and metastatic brain tumors. Primary brain tumors develop from normal brain cells. Early and accurate detection of primary brain tumors is vital for the treatment of this disease. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most common method to diagnose brain diseases, but the manual interpretation of the images suffers from high inter-observer variance. In this paper, we presented a new computer-aided diagnosis system named PBTNet for detecting primary brain tumors in magnetic resonance images. A pre-trained ResNet-18 was selected as the backbone model in our PBTNet, but it was fine-tuned only for feature extraction. Then, three randomized neural networks, Schmidt neural network, random vector functional-link, and extreme learning machine served as the classifiers in the PBTNet, which were trained with the features and their labels. The final predictions of the PBTNet were generated by the ensemble of the outputs from the three classifiers. 5-fold cross-validation was employed to evaluate the classification performance of the PBTNet, and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed PBTNet was an effective tool for the diagnosis of primary brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yuan Lu
- School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Shui-Hua Wang
- School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Yu-Dong Zhang
- School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Maaz AUR, Yousif T, Saleh A, Pople I, Al-Kharazi K, Al-Rayahi J, Elkum N, Malik M. Presenting symptoms and time to diagnosis for Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors in Qatar: a report from Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Service in Qatar. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:465-474. [PMID: 32710251 PMCID: PMC7835301 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are no previous published reports on primary pediatric tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) in Qatar. We undertook this retrospective cohort study to review the diagnosis of CNS tumors in children in Qatar to analyze the presentation characteristics including symptoms, referral pathways, and time to diagnosis. METHODS All children registered with Pediatric Neuro-Oncology service (PNOS) were included in the study. Data from the time of diagnosis (October 2007 to February 2020) were reviewed retrospectively. Presenting symptoms were recorded and pre-diagnosis symptom interval (PSI) was calculated from the onset of the first symptom to the date of diagnostic imaging. RESULTS Of the 61 children registered with PNOS during the study period, 51 were included in the final analysis. Ten children were excluded because they were either diagnosed outside Qatar (n = 7) or were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis (n = 3). The median age was 45 (range 1-171) months. Common tumor types included low-grade glioma (LGG) (47.1%) and medulloblastoma/primitive neuro-ectodermal tumors (PNET) (23.5%). Nine children had an underlying neurocutaneous syndrome. Thirty-eight patients (74.5%) had at least one previous contact with healthcare (HC) professional, but 27 (52%) were still diagnosed through the emergency department (ED). Presenting symptoms included headache, vomiting (36.2%), oculo-visual symptoms (20.6%), motor weakness (18.9%), seizures, ataxia (17.2% each), irritability, cranial nerve palsies (12% each), and endocrine symptoms (10.3%). Median PSI was 28 days (range 1-845 days) for all CNS tumors. Longest PSI was seen with germ cell tumors (median 146 days), supratentorial location (39 days), and age above 3 years (30 days). Tumor characteristics of biological behavior (high-grade tumor) and location (infratentorial) were significantly associated with shorter PSI, as were presenting symptoms of ataxia, head tilt, and altered consciousness. CONCLUSIONS Although overall diagnostic times were acceptable, some tumor types were diagnosed after a significant delay. The awareness campaign, such as the "HeadSmart" campaign in the United Kingdom (UK), can improve diagnostic times in Qatar. Further research is required to better understand the reasons for the delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata U R Maaz
- Department of Child Health, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sidra Medicine, Al-Luqta Street, PO Box: 26999, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Tayseer Yousif
- Department of Child Health, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sidra Medicine, Al-Luqta Street, PO Box: 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman Saleh
- Department of Child Health, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sidra Medicine, Al-Luqta Street, PO Box: 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ian Pople
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khalid Al-Kharazi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jehan Al-Rayahi
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuro-imaging, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Naser Elkum
- Department of Biostatistics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muzaffar Malik
- Division of Medical Education, University of Brighton, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9PH, UK
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