Pediatric blood & cancer
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Dec 2011
Historical ArticleNeuropathic pain during treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Improved cure rates for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) over the past 2 decades have allowed greater attention to patients' quality of life. Neuropathic pain (NP) is an unpleasant side effect of chemotherapeutic agents for leukemia, especially vincristine. ⋯ Our results highlight the need for prospective randomized studies to elucidate the value of gabapentin regimen for prevention or treatment of vincristine-related pain during treatment of childhood leukemia.
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Dec 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison of propofol versus propofol-ketamine combination in pediatric oncologic procedures performed by non-anesthesiologists.
Limited data are available on the best option (short acting sedatives, opioids, or ketamine) in oncologic procedural sedation performed by non-anesthesiologists. The aim of the present prospective study is to compare the safety and efficacy of propofol-ketamine versus propofol alone, managed by trained pediatricians, in children with cancer undergoing painful procedures. ⋯ The combination of propofol and ketamine produced statistically significant clinical advantages combined with a higher profile of safety in children with cancer undergoing painful procedures.
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Burnout is a work-related syndrome consisting of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished feelings of personal accomplishment. Physicians who care for patients with life-threatening illnesses are at high risk for developing burnout. This survey evaluates the prevalence of burnout among pediatric oncologists, and assesses risk factors associated with the development of burnout. ⋯ Approximately three quarters of pediatric oncologists experience burnout. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing and treating work-related burnout.
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Dec 2011
Childhood cancer survivorship educational resources in North American pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship training programs: a survey study.
Childhood cancer survivors require life-long care by clinicians with an understanding of the specific risks arising from the prior cancer and its therapy. We surveyed North American pediatric hematology/oncology training programs to evaluate their resources and capacity for educating medical trainees about survivorship. ⋯ The results of this survey highlight the need to establish standard training requirements to promote the achievement of basic survivorship competencies by pediatric hematology/oncology fellows.
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Dec 2011
The mediating effects of family functioning on psychosocial outcomes in healthy siblings of children with sickle cell disease.
Children with siblings coping with chronic illness experience stresses and disruptions in daily life as families work together to care for the affected child. Research suggests that children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) may be at risk for adjustment problems, impaired psychosocial functioning, and reduced quality of life. These potential stressors affect the child with SCD as well as their caregivers and other family members. This study examined the role of family functioning on the psychosocial functioning of healthy siblings of children with SCD. ⋯ Awareness of the possible negative psychosocial outcomes of living with a sister or a brother with SCD is important for clinicians. In particular, interventions that focus on family expressiveness, support, and conflict are indicated for this population.