A grounded theory study on the dynamics of parental grief during the children's end of life

AIM

Parents are increasingly confronted with loss during their child's end of life. Healthcare professionals struggle with parental responses to loss. This study aimed to understand parental coping with grief during their child's end of life.

METHODS

A grounded theory study was performed, using semi-structured interviews with parents during the child's end of life and recently bereaved parents. Data were collected in four children's university hospitals and paediatric homecare services between October 2020 and December 2021. A multidisciplinary team conducted the analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 38 parents of 22 children participated. Parents strived to sustain family life, to be a good parent and to ensure a full life for their child. Meanwhile parents' grief increased because of their hypervigilance towards signs of loss. Parents' coping with grief is characterised by an interplay of downregulating grief and connecting with grief, aimed at creating emotional space to be present and connect with their child. Parents connected with grief when it was forced upon them or when they momentarily allowed themselves to.

CONCLUSION

The parents' ability to engage with grief becomes strained during the end of life. Healthcare professionals should support parents in their search for a balance that facilitates creating emotional space.

Age-Appropriate Advance Care Planning in Children Diagnosed with a Life-Limiting Condition: A Systematic Review

Pediatric advance care planning (pACP) is an important strategy to support patient-centered care. It is known to be difficult, yet paramount, to involve the child in pACP while adjusting treatment to age and the corresponding stage of development. This systematic review was aimed to evaluate the age appropriateness of pACP interventions by assessing their characteristics, content, and evidence. CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE were searched from 1 January 1998 to 31 August 2020 in order to identify peer-reviewed articles containing strategies and tools to facilitate pACP in both children (0–18 years) with life-limiting conditions and their families. An assessment of quality was performed using Cochrane tools and COREQ. The full protocol is available as PROSPERO CRD42020152243. Thirty-one articles describing 18 unique pACP tools were included. Most tools were developed for adolescents and young adults. In most cases, the interventions tried to assess the child’s and family’s preferences concerning their current and future hopes, wishes, and goals of the care. This was aimed to enhance communication about these preferences between children, their families, and health-care providers and to improve engagement in pACP. The relevance of an age-appropriate approach was mentioned in most articles, but this was mainly implicit. Seven articles implemented age-appropriate elements. Six factors influencing age appropriateness were identified. Tools to support pACP integrated age-appropriate elements to a very limited extent. They mainly focused on adolescents. The involvement of children of all ages may need a more comprehensive approach.

Determinants of impairments in functioning, fatigue, and participation ability in pediatric brain tumor survivors

Background

Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) experience disease- and treatment-related sequelae. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of participation limitations, impairments in functioning, fatigue, and the association between patient, tumor- and treatment-related factors and these outcomes.

Methods

Children (4–18 years) after treatment for a brain tumor between 2005 and 2014 at the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were eligible. The parent-reported Child and Family Follow-up Survey developed to measure participation and impairments in functioning in youth with acquired brain injury, was used. Fatigue was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Associations with patient, tumor- and treatment-related factors were explored using univariable analyses.

Results

Ninety-one PBTS (median age: 11.3 years [range: 9.5–14.1], time since treatment: 3.9 years [range: 4–6.2]) were included (response rate: 55%). Participation limitations were reported in 53% and were associated with impairments in functioning (15–67%) (P ≤ .01) and fatigue (P ≤ .03).

Parent- and child-reported fatigue was increased compared to normative values (P ≤ .02). History of hydrocephalus was associated with increased fatigue (P ≤ .04). Younger age at diagnosis and longer time since diagnosis were associated with impairments in functioning and cognitive fatigue (P < .05).

Participation limitations, impairments in functioning and fatigue were similar in PBTS who were <3 or ≥3 years since completion of treatment.

Conclusion

More than half of PBTS reported limited participation ability, which is associated with impairments in functioning and fatigue. The complication hydrocephalus seems to lead to more fatigue. Participation limitations, impairments in functioning and fatigue appear not to diminish in the longer term.

SAT-280 Body Mass Index at Diagnosis and Hypothalamic-Pituitary Dysfunction during Follow-Up in Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors

Background Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors (CBTS) are at increased risk of hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) dysfunction, which may be caused by radiotherapy , be a complication of the tumor itself or due to brain injury. Being overweighted or underweighted (body mass index (BMI) more than 2 SDS or lower than -2 SDS, respectively) at brain tumor diagnosis may reflect early hypothalamic dysfunction and may be a risk factor to develop HP dysfunction during follow-up. This has, to date, not been investigated. The objective of this study was to examine whether BMI at brain tumor diagnosis is associated with the development of HP dysfunction, independent of brain tumor treatment. Methods Children surviving a brain tumor, excluding craniopharyngioma or a pituitary tumor, for minimally two years, in whom BMI at diagnosis of their brain tumor had been recorded were included from a previous cohort study (n=685 of 718). Odds-ratios (OR) for developing HP dysfunction were calculated using multivariable logistic regression, including BMI at diagnosis, gender, age at follow-up, radiotherapy, histology, location of the primary tumor, hydrocephalus and state of disease. Results Of all, 10.8% (n=74) was overweighted and 5.0% (n=34) was underweighted at diagnosis. Median follow-up time was 7.1 years (5.0-9.6). Being overweighted or underweighted at diagnosis was significantly associated with the development of HP dysfunction (anterior or posterior pituitary deficiency or central precocious puberty , OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.46-4.05) and obesity at follow-up (OR 3.75, 95% CI 2.36-5.97).Development of HP dysfunction was also significantly associated with radiotherapy (OR 11.25, 95% CI 6.76-18.72) and location of primary tumor (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.60-3.13). In children not treated with radiotherapy (n=430), underweight and overweight at brain tumor diagnosis were also both significantly associated with HP dysfunction and precocious puberty (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.16-7.28 and 3.00 , 95% CI 1.12-8.01, respectively). In this group, other significant risk factors for HP dysfunction included location of primary tumor (OR 8.90, 95% CI 4.11-19.24), hydrocephalus (2.27, 95% CI 1.06-4.88) and state of disease at follow-up (OR 6.38, 95% CI 1.37-29.58). Conclusions Being overweighted or underweighted at brain tumor diagnosis in childhood is associated with the development of anterior pituitary deficiencies, posterior pituitary deficiencies and CPP, independently of given treatment. This suggests that in these children hypothalamic dysfunction may already be present at brain tumor diagnosis. These findings may be used for future studies on hypothalamic dysfunction in CBTS and can be used to develop recommendations on monitoring the development of pituitary disorders in CBTS.

MON-458 Radiological Alterations Of The Hypothalamic-pituitary Region After Craniospinal Irradiation For Medulloblastoma During Childhood

Background Hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) dysfunction after craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is frequently observed in childhood brain tumor survivors (CBTS). The risk increases with higher dose and younger age at time of radiation exposure. Whether radiological alterations of the HP-region or alterations in brain volume are predictive of HP dysfunction remains unknown. Aim The aim of this (retrospective) study was to quantify radiological alterations of the HP-region in time in CBTS after CSI and to correlate these alterations to the occurrence of HP dysfunction. Methods Ninety survivors of childhood medulloblastoma (mean age at diagnosis: 8.3 years) from a previously reported nationwide cohort, treated with CSI between 2002-2012, were included. Sixty CBTS (67%) were diagnosed with HP dysfunction during follow-up (FU). All MRI scans were collected from time of diagnosis, post-neurosurgical intervention, post-radiation and 3 and 5 years of FU. Pituitary height (PH) and width (PW) were measured on mid-sagittal images. The pituitary stalk (PS) width was assessed by measuring the ratio of the PS to basilar artery (BA) on axial images on the same plane in the middle of the PS. Volume measurements of the PG (PGV) were performed. Observers were blinded for outcome of HP function. Separate analyses were performed for children < 6 years at time of CSI. All measurements were corrected for age and gender using Z-scores. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS (General Linear Model repeated measures with Bonferroni correction). Results Mean PH (p<0.01, 95% CI [0.25, 1.27], PW (p<0.01, 95% CI [0.85-2.32], width of the PS (p<0.01, 95% CI [0.38-3.0] and PGV (p<0.05, 95% CI [0.12-1.29] declined during FU. No correlation was observed between radiological alterations in time and the presence of HP dysfunction. On a marginal trend level, an interaction effect was seen for PS/BA ratio and the presence of HP dysfunction (p= 0.097, F= 2.44). HP dysfunction occurred more frequently in CBTS treated with CSI < 6 years (71% vs 58%). Radiological alterations in this age group could also not be related to occurrence of HP dysfunction. Conclusion When compared to age and gender reference values, CBTS treated with CSI show radiological alterations of the HP region in time. Exposure to cranial irradiation in childhood seems to have a negative effect on PH, PW, width of PS and PGV. However, these effects cannot be related to the development of HP dysfunction or age at time of CRT. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results, with systematic evaluation of the HP function in time.

Intracystic interferon-alpha in pediatric craniopharyngioma patients: an international multicenter assessment on behalf of SIOPE and ISPN

Background

Craniopharyngiomas are frequent hypothalamo-pituitary tumors in children, presenting predominantly as cystic lesions. Morbidity from conventional treatment has focused attention on intracystic drug delivery, hypothesized to cause fewer clinical consequences. However, the efficacy of intracystic therapy remains unclear. We report the retrospective experiences of several global centers using intracystic interferon-alpha.

Methods

European Société Internationale d'Oncologie Pédiatrique and International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery centers were contacted to submit a datasheet capturing pediatric patients with cystic craniopharyngiomas who had received intracystic interferon-alpha. Patient demographics, administration schedules, adverse events, and outcomes were obtained. Progression was clinical or radiological (cyst reaccumulation, novel cysts, or solid growth).

Results

Fifty-six children (median age, 6.3 y) from 21 international centers were identified. Median follow-up from diagnosis was 5.1 years (0.3-17.7 y). Lesions were cystic (n = 22; 39%) or cystic/solid (n = 34; 61%). Previous progression was treated in 43 (77%) patients before interferon use. In such cases, further progression was delayed by intracystic interferon compared with the preceding therapy for cystic lesions (P = 0.0005). Few significant attributable side effects were reported. Progression post interferon occurred in 42 patients (median 14 mo; 0-8 y), while the estimated median time to definitive therapy post interferon was 5.8 (1.8-9.7) years.

Conclusions

Intracystic interferon-alpha can delay disease progression and potentially offer a protracted time to definitive surgery or radiotherapy in pediatric cystic craniopharyngioma, yet demonstrates a favorable toxicity profile compared with other therapeutic modalities-important factors for this developing age group. A prospective, randomized international clinical trial assessment is warranted.

Unexpected overnight stay following ENT day-case surgery: a 5-year audit

Unexpected overnight stay following ENT day-case surgery: a 5-year audit.

PROBLEMS/OBJECTIVES

Recent decades have seen a steady reduction in the average duration of hospitalization for all surgical patients, including those undergoing ENT procedures. Correspondingly, the proportion of day surgeries relative to in-patient surgeries has progressively increased. In the present observational study, we aimed to evaluate the proportion of unplanned overnight stays following planned day surgeries in our ENT unit, and the major causes of these unexpected overnight admissions.

METHODS

From databases, we collected data from all patients who underwent ENT day-case surgery in Ziekenhuis Oost- Limburg between January 2008 and December 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 10,440 patients underwent ENT day-case surgery during this period. The overall rate of unexpected overnight admission was 1.86%, with these overnight admissions most commonly due to anaesthetic (46.91%), surgical (19.59%), and organizational (17.01%) reasons. The types of ENT surgery at the greatest risk for prolonged hospitalisation were hemithyroidectomy (12.50%), tympanoplasty (12.15%), and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) (7.81%). We further identified a clear difference in the rate of unexpected overnight stay between surgery scheduled in the morning (1.17%) versus in the afternoon (12.98%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our present findings highlight the various reasons for unexpected overnight admission after day-case surgery. To reduce the rate of unexpected overnight stays, we need to better understand these different reasons to support the ongoing search for possible solutions.

Prevalence of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Thrombosis in Pediatric Oncology Patients With Tunneled Central Venous Catheters

BACKGROUND

Pediatric oncology patients with tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) are at increased risk to develop venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), but the true prevalence of (a)symptomatic VTE is unknown. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of (a)symptomatic VTE in pediatric oncology patients with tunneled CVCs.

PROCEDURE

All patients were included in the Aristocaths study: a randomized controlled multicenter trial investigating the prophylactic effect of 70% ethanol locks on CVC-associated bloodstream infections (CABSIs) were eligible for this study. We assessed the following outcomes: (i) symptomatic VTE and (ii) asymptomatic CVC-related VTE (using ultrasound [US]). Follow-up was 6 months, unless patients developed one of the following events: VTE, CABSI, CVC removal, or death.

RESULTS

We included 305 patients (hematologic malignancy, n = 148; solid tumor, n = 157), median age 9 years (range, 1-18 years). Symptomatic VTE was detected in 8 of 305 patients (2.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-5.1%), which was related to the CVC in three patients. Patients (185/305) were evaluated with US: 11 of 185 (5.9%; 95% CI: 3.0-10.4%) patients had asymptomatic CVC-related VTE.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of both symptomatic VTE and asymptomatic CVC-related VTE was low compared to other studies, which may be explained by the inclusion of patients with solid tumors, reduction of CABSI by ethanol, use of tunneled CVCs, and use of US.

Specific medical and surgical treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases in children

Treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions in children should take into account the specific pathophysiological and clinical processes underlying these disorders. These guidelines provide a framework for both the medical and surgical treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as otitis media, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic inflammation of tonsils and adenoids, and laryngitis. In addition, the role of vaccinations and immunomodulatory therapies is discussed. Whenever possible, the evidence levels for specific treatments comply with the Oxford Levels of Evidence.

Segregation of non-p.R132H mutations in IDH1 in distinct molecular subtypes of glioma

Mutations in the gene encoding the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene (IDH1) occur at a high frequency (up to 80%) in many different subtypes of glioma. In this study, we have screened for IDH1 mutations in a cohort of 496 gliomas. IDH1 mutations were most frequently observed in low grade gliomas with c.395G>A (p.R132H) representing >90% of all IDH1 mutations. Interestingly, non-p.R132H mutations segregate in distinct histological and molecular subtypes of glioma. Histologically, they occur sporadically in classic oligodendrogliomas and at significantly higher frequency in other grade II and III gliomas. Genetically, non-p.R132H mutations occur in tumors with TP53 mutation, are virtually absent in tumors with loss of heterozygosity on 1p and 19q and accumulate in distinct (gene-expression profiling based) intrinsic molecular subtypes. The IDH1 mutation type does not affect patient survival. Our results were validated on an independent sample cohort, indicating that the IDH1 mutation spectrum may aid glioma subtype classification. Functional differences between p.R132H and non-p.R132H mutated IDH1 may explain the segregation in distinct glioma subtypes.

Abstract 3135: Segregation of non-R132H mutations in IDH1 in distinct molecular subtypes of glioma

Mutations in the gene encoding the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene (IDH1) occur at a high frequency (up to 80%) in many different subtypes of glioma. In this study, we have screened for IDH1 mutations in a cohort of 496 gliomas. IDH1 mutations were most frequently observed in low grade gliomas with 395G&gt;A (R132H) representing &gt;90% of all IDH1 mutations. Interestingly, non-R132H mutations segregate in distinct histological and molecular subtypes of glioma. Histologically, they occur sporadically in classic oligodendrogliomas and at significantly higher frequency in other grade II and III gliomas. Genetically, non-R132H mutations occur in tumors with TP53 mutation, are virtually absent in tumors with loss of heterozygosity on 1p and 19q and accumulate in distinct (gene-expression profiling based) intrinsic molecular subtypes. The IDH1 mutation type does not affect patient survival. Our results were validated on an independent sample cohort, indicating that the IDH1 mutation spectrum may aid glioma subtype classification. Functional differences between R132H and non-R132H mutated IDH1 may explain the segregation in distinct glioma subtypes.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3135.

Cognitive Deficits and Predictors 3 Years After Diagnosis of a Pilocytic Astrocytoma in Childhood

Purpose

To prospectively study cognitive deficits and predictors 3 years after diagnosis in a large series of pediatric patients treated for pilocytic astrocytoma (PA).

Patients and Methods

Sixty-one of 67 children were grouped according to infratentorial, supratentorial midline, and supratentorial hemispheric site. Intelligence, memory, attention, language, visual-spatial, and executive functions were assessed. Included predictors were sex, age, relapse, diagnosis-assessment interval, hydrocephalus, kind of treatment, and tumor variables.

Results

All children with PA had problems with sustained attention and speed. In the infratentorial group, there also were deficits in verbal intelligence, visual-spatial memory, executive functioning, and naming. Verbal intelligence and verbal memory problems occurred in the brainstem tumor group. The supratentorial hemispheric tumor group had additional problems with selective attention and executive functioning, and the supratentorial midline tumor group displayed no extra impairments. More specifically, the dorsal supratentorial midline tumor group displayed problems with language and verbal memory. Predictors for lower cognitive functioning were hydrocephalus, radiotherapy, residual tumor size, and age; predictors for better functioning were chemotherapy or treatment of hydrocephalus. Almost 60% of children had problems with academic achievement, for which risk factors were relapse and younger age at diagnosis.

Conclusion

Despite normal intelligence at long-term follow-up, children treated for PA display invalidating cognitive impairments. Adequate treatment of hydrocephalus is important for a more favorable long-term cognitive outcome. Even children without initial severe deficits may develop cognitive impairments years after diagnosis, partly because of the phenomenon of growing into deficit, which has devastating implications for academic achievement and quality of life (QOL).

Information disclosure to terminally ill patients and their relatives: self-reported practice of Belgian clinical specialists and general practitioners

Objective of this study is to examine physicians' practices regarding information disclosure to terminally ill patients and to their relatives, without informing the patient. A questionnaire had been sent to a random sample of 3014 Belgian physicians from different specialties frequently involved in end-of-life care. Responses were analysed using weighted percentages, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U-tests and a multivariate ordinal logistic regression. Response rate was 58%. Both clinical specialists and general practitioners (GPs) discuss most topics related to terminal illness with their patients except end-of-life hastening options, spirituality, life expectancy and options to withhold/withdraw life-sustaining treatment. The topics which most physicians always discuss with relatives without informing the patient are the aim of treatment, palliative care and incurability. There is a significant difference between clinical specialists and GPs. Clinical specialists and GPs discuss most end-of-life topics with the patient but omit important issues such as end-of-life hastening options and life-expectancy.

Evidence for involvement of a tumor suppressor gene on 1p in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare soft-tissue malignancies. The genetic basis of these tumors is still poorly understood. Cytogenetic analyses predominantly revealed complex karyotypes, precluding the identification of recurrent chromosomal changes. We report loss of 1p material in a near-diploid karyotype with few or no additional structural chromosome changes in two sporadic cases of MPNST, indicating an important role of 1p loss in MPNST development. In one of these two tumors, a distal 1p deletion (1p31.2 approximately pter) was detected suggesting involvement of a tumor suppressor gene located within this distal region of 1p. Further evidence for recurrent 1p loss in MPNST was obtained by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization, which showed loss of 1p material in 3 out of 13 tumors. These findings together with data from the literature suggest that loss of a tumor suppressor gene located within distal 1p is implicated in the pathogenesis of MPNST.

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy for the fast identification of PVC-based films

Near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy was used to develop a non-destructive and rapid qualitative method for the analysis of plastic films used by the pharmaceutical industry for blistering. Three types of films were investigated: 250 microm PVC [poly(vinyl chloride)] films, 250 microm PVC films coated with 40 g m(-2) of PVDC [poly(vinylidene dichloride)] and 250 microm PVC films coated with 5 g m(-2) of TE (Thermoelast) and 90 g m(-2) of PVDC. Three analyses were carried out using different pre-treatment options and a PLS (partial least squares) algorithm. Each analysis was aimed at identifying one type of film and rejecting all types of false sample (different thickness, colour or layer). True and false samples from four plastics manufacturers were included in the calibration sets in order to obtain robust methods that were suitable regardless of the supplier. Specificity was demonstrated by testing validation sets against the methods. The tests showed 0% of type I (false negative identification) and 1% of type II errors (false positive identification) for the PVC method, 13 and 3%, respectively, for the PVC-PVDC method and no error for the PVC-TE-PVDC method. Type II errors, mostly due to the slight sensitivity of the methods to film thickness, are easily corrected by simple thickness measurements. This study demonstrates that NIR spectroscopy is an excellent tool for the identification of PVC-based films. The three methods can be used by the pharmaceutical industry or plastics manufacturers for the quality control of films used in blister packaging.

Interstitial lung disease more than 40 years after a 5 year occupational exposure to talc

A 62 yr old woman was initially diagnosed with sarcoidosis until a thoracoscopic biopsy revealed the presence of numerous birefringent particles in fibrotic areas of the centrilobular lung zones. These particles were examined by electron microscopy and X-ray spectrometry and characterized as impure talc. Further inquiry into her occupational history revealed that she had worked from the age of 14-18 yrs in a factory making rubber hoses, where she had had an intense exposure to talc. There was no evidence of silicosis or asbestosis, and other significant causes of interstitial lung disease were excluded. This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough occupational history, which may reveal a remote and forgotten exposure to a significant cause of interstitial lung disease. Although this presentation of talcosis is unusual, this case suggests that even a relatively short, but presumably intense exposure to talc more than 40 yrs previously may be a cause of progressive lung fibrosis.

Relief of sleep apnoea after treatment of acromegaly: report of three cases and review of the literature

Sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is common in acromegalic patients. Occasionally, the relief of apnoeas after treatment of the acromegaly has been documented. We report the cases of three patients with acromegaly and severe obstructive sleep apnoea, who demonstrated a manifest improvement (respiratory disturbance index (RDI) <20) after treatment with octreotide, indicating that this drug may be effective in this disturbance. In one case, SAS disappeared although the growth hormone level was not fully normalized. This raises the intriguing hypothesis that octreotide has an effect on respiratory control or on the upper airway, that is not directly related to its action on production of growth hormone.

Ifosfamide in the treatment of pediatric malignancies

Neuroblastomas, nephroblastomas, malignant mesenchymal tumors, including rhabdomyosarcomas, Ewing's sarcomas, osteosarcomas, brain tumors, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas respond to ifosfamide monotherapy. Ifosfamide has found an established place in the treatment of these pediatric malignancies. Ifosfamide has been shown to be an especially valuable agent in brain tumors in patients with a poor-prognosis medulloblastoma. The combination of ifosfamide with other cytotoxic drugs is more effective than ifosfamide medication alone. Ifosfamide has to be given with mesna to prevent bladder toxicity, but other toxic side effects, such as neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and gonadal damage, are more difficult to prevent. Ifosfamide has proven to be an important asset in the treatment of cancer in children.

Isolated lung transplantation; initial experience at the University Hospitals Leuven. Leuven Lung Transplant Group

Lung transplantation nowadays has become a therapeutic modality in the treatment of patients with a variety of end-stage lung diseases. Between July 1991 and December 1992, twelve patients received an isolated lung transplant (eight single lungs and four double lungs) at the University Hospitals of Leuven. The indication for transplantation was emphysema in five patients, pulmonary fibrosis in three, cystic fibrosis in three and primary pulmonary hypertension in one. There were four early, in-hospital deaths (30%): two from sepsis and multi-organ failure, one from anoxia following a bronchial dehiscence and another patient exsanguinated following stent insertion for a partial bronchial dehiscence. Three more patients have died during follow-up: two from chronic respiratory failure secondary to the development of obliterative bronchiolitis (one at 8 months and one at 17 months), and one from a late bronchovascular fistula 4 months following transplantation. The overall actuarial one and two year-survival was 50.0% and 41.6% respectively. All patients discharged from hospital were oxygen free with an improved lung function and exercise capacity. We conclude that lung transplantation is a viable therapeutic option for selected patients with end-stage, irreversible lung disease. In our experience, the bronchial anastomosis remains an important keystone in the early success. Lung transplantation provides a good quality of life in patients free from infection and rejection. Nevertheless, chronic rejection resulting in obliterative bronchiolitis is a major problem in long-term survivors.

Pitfalls of transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy

Four cases are presented in whom transthoracic aspiration biopsy with the rotex needle provided a specific diagnosis, which, on thoracotomy was proved incomplete or wrong. Two cases of abscess were in fact excavated squamous cell carcinomas, one case of tuberculosis was in fact accompanied by a scar-adenocarcinoma, and a fourth case of supposed small cell carcinoma was found to be a muco-epidermoid carcinoma. In all cases, the final diagnosis after thoracotomy led to a change in therapy.

Infectious osteitis pubis

One month after a Burch operation, performed because of urinary stress incontinence, a 65-yr-old woman developed progressive suprapubic pain and a characteristic waddling gait. Initial treatment with bed rest, non-steroidal antiphlogistics and corticosteroids was unsuccessful. Six months later, a biopsy of the symphysis performed because of persisting disabling pain yielded a positive culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A longlasting treatment with intravenously administered antibiotics followed by ofloxacin orally, resulted in complete clinical cure and progressive radiological improvement. The distinction between noninfectious osteitis pubis and infectious symphysitis or osteomyelitis of the pubis is discussed.