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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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Siddiqui AK, Belgaumi AF. Paediatric oncology in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR): the current state and challenges. Ecancermedicalscience 2024; 18:1677. [PMID: 38439809 PMCID: PMC10911667 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2024.1677] [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: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The WHO Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) is characterised by highly economically diverse countries, with healthcare systems in various phases of development. Childhood cancer care provision also ranges from that provided in centres able to deliver sophisticated therapy resulting in outcomes comparable to those seen in highly developed nations, to countries with no provision for care of children with cancer. At 10·1 per 100,000 children at risk, the age standardised incidence-rate for cancer in children below 14 years of age is relatively low but may be consequent to poor registration. Shortages in trained care providers were identified in many regional countries, particularly in low and lower-middle income countries, however, implementation of training programs are beginning to counter this deficit. Significant diversity in patient care capacity exists in the region, leading to inequitable access to quality paediatric oncology care. There is strong potential for regional collaboration towards infrastructure and capacity improvement, with facilities available within the EMR for twinning and educational support to those centres and countries that need them. While cancer care coverage is available to citizens of high-income countries, in the lower-income countries out-of-pocket health expenditure can reach 75%. Some relief is achieved through the contribution of multiple charitable foundations working to support childhood cancer care in the region, as well as the provision of care in, often overburdened, public sector hospitals. War and other geo-political turmoil, as well as natural disasters, have negatively impacted healthcare capacity, including childhood cancer care, in several regional countries. Despite all this, the trajectory for change is upward and initiatives such as the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer are igniting positive change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsalan Kabir Siddiqui
- All authors have contributed to this manuscript and take responsibility for its contents
| | - Asim Fakhruddin Belgaumi
- All authors have contributed to this manuscript and take responsibility for its contents
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0135-7509
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Jovanović A, Ilić R, Pudrlja Slović M, Paripović L, Janić D, Nikitović M, Grujičić D, Ilić V. Total diagnostic interval in children with brain tumours in a middle-income country: national experience from Serbia. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:3169-3177. [PMID: 37097460 PMCID: PMC10127958 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05958-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim was to evaluate the total diagnostic interval (TDI) and presenting complaints in children with brain tumours in Serbia. METHODS This study retrospectively analysed 212 children aged 0-18 years newly diagnosed with brain tumours in two tertiary centres from mid-March 2015 to mid-March 2020 covering virtually all children with brain tumours in Serbia. TDI was calculated as the difference between the date of diagnosis and the date of symptom onset presented as a median in weeks. This variable has been evaluable for 184 patients. RESULTS Overall TDI was 6 weeks. TDI was significantly longer in patients with low-grade tumours (11 weeks) than in patients with high-grade tumours (4 weeks). Children with the most frequent complaints (headache, nausea/vomiting and gait disturbance) were more likely to be diagnosed sooner. Patients with a single complaint had significantly longer TDI (12.5 weeks) contrasted to patients with multiple complaints (5 weeks). CONCLUSION TDI with a median of 6 weeks is similar to other developed countries. Our study supports the view that low-grade tumours will present later than high-grade tumours. Children with the commonest complaints and children with multiple complaints were more likely to be diagnosed sooner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksa Jovanović
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rosanda Ilić
- Neurooncology Department, Neurosurgery Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Lejla Paripović
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Janić
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Nikitović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Paediatric Radiation Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danica Grujičić
- Neurooncology Department, Neurosurgery Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Ilić
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre, Belgrade, Serbia.
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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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Wu HW, Wu CH, Lin SC, Wu CC, Chen HH, Chen YW, Lee YY, Chang FC. MRI features of pediatric atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors and medulloblastomas of the posterior fossa. Cancer Med 2023; 12:10449-10461. [PMID: 36916326 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5780] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) occurs at a younger age and is associated with a worse prognosis than medulloblastoma; however, these two tumor entities are mostly indistinguishable on neuroimaging. The aim of our study was to differentiate AT/RT and medulloblastoma based on their clinical and MRI features to enhance treatment planning and outcome prediction. METHODS From 2005-2021, we retrospectively enrolled 16 patients with histopathologically diagnosed AT/RT and 57 patients with medulloblastoma at our institute. We evaluated their clinical data and MRI findings, including lesion signals, intratumoral morphologies, and peritumoral/distal involvement. RESULTS The age of children with AT/RT was younger than that of children with medulloblastoma (2.8 ± 4.9 [0-17] vs. 6.5 ± 4.0 [0-18], p < 0.001), and the overall survival rate was lower (21.4% vs. 66.0%, p = 0.005). Regarding lesion signals on MRI, AT/RT had a lower ADCmin (cutoff value ≤544.7 × 10-6 mm2 /s, p < 0.001), a lower ADC ratio (cutoff value ≤0.705, p < 0.001), and a higher DWI ratio (cutoff value ≥1.595, p < 0.001) than medulloblastoma. Regarding intratumoral morphology, the "tumor central vein sign" was mostly exclusive to medulloblastoma (24/57, 42.1%; AT/RT 1/16, 6.3%; p = 0.007). Regarding peritumoral invasion on T2WI, AT/RT was more prone to invasion of the brainstem (p < 0.001) and middle cerebellar peduncle (p < 0.001) than medulloblastoma. CONCLUSIONS MRI findings of a lower ADC value, more peritumoral invasion, and absence of the "tumor central vein sign" may be helpful to differentiate AT/RT from medulloblastoma. These distinct MRI findings together with the younger age of AT/RT patients may explain the worse outcomes in AT/RT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Wei Wu
- Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hung Wu
- Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chun Wu
- Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hung Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wei Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Technology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yen Lee
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Chi Chang
- Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Rajagopal R, Moreira DC, Faughnan L, Wang H, Naqvi S, Krull L, Vasquez L, Diaz-Coronado R, Terao M, Devidas M, Qaddoumi I. An international multicenter survey reveals health care providers' knowledge gap in childhood central nervous system tumors. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:557-565. [PMID: 36383283 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors have longer delays in diagnosis than do other pediatric malignancies because health care providers (HCPs) lack awareness about clinical presentation of these tumors. To evaluate the knowledge gap among HCPs, we conducted a global cross-sectional survey. The survey consisted of a set of CNS tumor knowledge questions focused on symptoms, signs, and imaging indications. The survey was disseminated to HCPs via email (November 2018-March 2020). Participants had to complete a pre-test survey, attend an education seminar on CNS tumors, and complete a post-test survey. The knowledge gap was evaluated using pre-test and post-test scores. We received 889 pre-test and 392 post-test responses. Most respondents were from Asia (73.1% of pre-test responses; 87.5% of post-test responses). The median pre-test score was 40.0% (range: 13.1-92.9%). A high percentage of correct answers were given in post-test responses (median score: 77.1%, range: 14.9-98.2%). In the pre-test, 18.7% of participants accurately responded that Cushing's triad was a less common symptom, and 15.0% recognized that children aged > 10 years are at risk of late diagnosis. Surprisingly, 21.9% falsely reported that patients with malignancy experienced the longest pre-diagnostic symptom interval, and 54.5% of respondents wrongly selected medulloblastoma as the most common CNS tumor. Overall, pediatricians demonstrated a greater knowledge gap on both surveys than did other specialties. Conclusion: Pre- and post-test surveys revealed significant knowledge gaps in childhood CNS tumors among HCPs. Thus, raising professional awareness on clinical presentations of CNS tumors through educational strategies is important to address this knowledge deficit. What is Known: • Diagnostic delay in childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors continues to be a significant problem that negatively impacts the quality of life and treatment sequelae. • Lack of medical education on CNS tumors is a contributing factor to this problem. What is New: • Most health care providers do not realize that low-grade tumors are the most common neoplasm in children. • Health care providers fail to recognize that teenagers and adolescents are a vulnerable age group for diagnostic delays, with the longest pre-diagnostic symptom interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revathi Rajagopal
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Malaysia
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lane Faughnan
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Huiqi Wang
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sameen Naqvi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology, and Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa Krull
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Liliana Vasquez
- Centro de Investigación de Medicina de Precision, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Facultad de Medicina, Lima, Peru.,Unit of Non-Communicable Diseases, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rosdali Diaz-Coronado
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), Lima, Peru
| | - Michael Terao
- Office of Student Learning, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Meenakshi Devidas
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ibrahim Qaddoumi
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Epidemiology of pediatric central nervous system tumors in Uyghur: experience from a single center. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 39:909-914. [PMID: 36456749 PMCID: PMC9715407 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05766-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Retrospective analysis of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of central nervous system (CNS)tumors in Uyghur children from a single center in Xinjiang. METHODS Between January 2013 and December 2021, 243 children (0-17 years old) with a clear pathological type of CNS tumor are collected and analyzed for tumor size, grade, and category, as well as their relationship with the child's gender, age, and region of origin according to the 2021 edition of the new WHO CNS tumor classification. OUTCOME The 243 cases of CNS tumors in Uyghur children are predominantly from rural areas, with 144 cases (59.26%) of supratentorial tumors and 129 cases (53.09%) of low-grade tumors. With an overall male-to-female ratio of 1.43:1, a peak age of incidence of 6 to 8 years. CONCLUDING The present study is based on a 9-year analysis of pediatric CNS data from a single center, and the center is the largest tertiary hospital in Xinjiang with large numbers of admitted patients, which may reflect some extent the clinical characteristics and epidemiological features characteristics of pediatric CNS tumors in Uyghur in Xinjiang.
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10
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Babiker A, Idris A, Aldawsari M, Abu Abah M, Alaqeel B, Almotawa A, Masuadi E, AlShaikh A, Azzubi M, Al Dubayee M, Al Alwan I, Maghnie M. Clinical characterization of pediatric supratentorial tumors and prediction of pituitary insufficiency in two tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia. Int J Pediatr Adolesc Med 2022; 9:196-202. [PMID: 36937326 PMCID: PMC10019957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpam.2022.11.001] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Post-operative pituitary insufficiency (PI) occurs in children with supra-tentorial tumors (STT) because of surgery or the mass effect of the tumor. We assessed the prevalence and clinical characteristics of STTs and predicted postoperative PI in our patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study included children who underwent surgery for STT in two tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia (2009-2019). We focused on clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of STTs. We also used a linear regression model to predict post-operative PI. Results The study included 55 children (1-18 years, mean: 9.5 ± 4.9 years, 32 [54%] females) with an initial presentation of STT that required surgery excluding recurrent episodes. The calculated period prevalence of STT was 18.2%, and the prevalence of postoperative PI was 58.2% (n = 32/55). The most common symptoms were headache and visual disturbances, and 20% patients had preoperative symptoms of PI. Baseline preoperative investigations for PI were performed in 60% of patients, and dynamic tests were conducted in only seven patients. A residual cortisol deficiency was presumed in 24 (43.7%) patients and 18 (32.7%) patients who developed central diabetes insipidus (DI) post-operatively. Overall, the brain imaging correlated well with the histopathological diagnosis (kappa = 0.48; P < .001). Craniopharyngioma (n = 15/55, 27.3%) was the commonest STT. Predictive factors for a postoperative residual PI included age (10.9 ± 4.8 years; p-value = .027), female gender (p-value = .016 [OR = 8.31; 95% CI (1.48-46.71)], presentation with headache (P value = .039 [OR = 9.27; 95% CI (1.12-76.72)]), and visual disturbances (p-value = .044 [OR = 5.07; 95% CI (1.04-24.61)]. Conclusion STTs commonly occurred in our study population, and females were more prone to develop a residual PI. On-time surveillance of an intact endocrine system during the perioperative period is essential for the prediction and early management of PI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Babiker
- King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author. King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, P.O.Box. 22490, Riyadh, 11426, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Amani Idris
- King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Aldawsari
- King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moath Abu Abah
- King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bothainah Alaqeel
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Almotawa
- King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad Masuadi
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan AlShaikh
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moutasem Azzubi
- King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al Dubayee
- King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Al Alwan
- King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Italy
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11
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Baklizi N, Raswoli M, Burges M, Moreira DC, Qaddoumi I. Torticollis as a presenting symptom of pediatric CNS tumors: A systematic review. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:419-425. [PMID: 36180292 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To assess the frequency of torticollis as a presenting symptom of pediatric CNS tumors and its impact on pre-diagnostic symptom intervals (PSIs) and patient outcomes. We performed a systematic review of studies reporting torticollis in children with various CNS tumors. We searched PubMed for studies published from January 1972 to March 2021 in English. Case reports were included in the analysis if the following criteria were met (1) torticollis was the presenting symptom secondary to a CNS tumor (2) children <18 years of age, (3) underwent imaging intervention and (4) outcome data provided. Of 1,365 relevant articles, 45 were eligible for analysis according to our inclusion criteria representing 95 patients. Two independent investigators extracted the data, and a third investigator arbitrated discrepancies. We found that 38.9% of CNS tumors exhibited torticollis as the only presenting symptom. PSI lengths ranged from 0 to 4 years (median, 5 months) for low-grade tumors, and patient age and PSI length were inversely associated. Of patients with low-grade tumors, 23.8% received physiotherapy, in contrast with 0% of patients with high-grade tumors. PSI length also increased for patients who received rehabilitation, and 39.3% and 7.1% of patients with high-grade and low-grade tumors, respectively, died of their disease. Patients with low-grade tumors and torticollis as a primary presenting symptom were more likely to have a prolonged PSI. Therefore, CNS tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acquired torticollis in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadejda Baklizi
- Departments of Global Pediatric Medicine and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Musthafa Raswoli
- Departments of Global Pediatric Medicine and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Michala Burges
- Departments of Global Pediatric Medicine and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Departments of Global Pediatric Medicine and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Ibrahim Qaddoumi
- Departments of Global Pediatric Medicine and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.
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