Pediatric blood & cancer
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Aug 2008
Peripherally inserted central venous catheters are a good option for prolonged venous access in children with cancer.
A long term venous access device is essential in children with malignancies for the safe administration of medication and to avoid repeated painful venipunctures. The advantage of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) over conventional central venous catheter (CVC) is easy bedside insertion without need for general anesthesia and theatre time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with PICCs particularly with regard to catheter life, reason for removal and complications in children suffering from various malignancies. ⋯ We found PICC to be a convenient, cheap, safe, and reliable device for long term intravenous access in children with malignancies. This was possible with the help of dedicated catheter care nurses.
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Aug 2008
Retrospective evaluation of pain assessment and treatment for acute vasoocclusive episodes in children with sickle cell disease.
This study was conducted to assess the care of pediatric patients hospitalized for sickle cell disease-related vasoocclusive episodes (VOE). The aim of this research was to illustrate the course of pain scores and methods of therapeutic intervention during hospitalization. ⋯ Despite opiate dosing within recommended guidelines, mean pain scores remain in the moderate to severe range for several days following hospitalization for VOE. Future research should explore the factors which influence pain scores, as well as improved pain assessment and management techniques.