Pediatric blood & cancer
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Dec 2018
Impact of early analgesia on hospitalization outcomes for sickle cell pain crisis.
Painful events are the leading cause of hospitalizations for patients with sickle cell disease. Individualized pain plans targeting patient-specific maximum opioid dosing may shorten hospitalization length and are recommended by national guidelines. Prior to implementing individualized sickle cell pain plans, we tested the hypothesis that a shorter time to achieve a maximum opioid dose would improve hospitalization outcomes. ⋯ Early achievement of maximum analgesia improved hospitalization outcomes and warrant further investigation in prospective studies of individualized pain plans.
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Dec 2018
Case ReportsKaposiform hemangioendothelioma with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon in an infant: Successful treatment with prednisolone, vincristine, and addition of sirolimus.
A full-term newborn with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) affecting the right thigh with thrombocytopenia due to Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) was referred to our center. After biopsy, he rapidly evolved to severe thrombocytopenia and severe coagulopathy. ⋯ Sirolimus was added; he became transfusion independent with no further bleeding and reduction in tumor size. Addition of sirolimus to treatment of vascular anomalies with hemostatic complications should be considered as part of early treatment for patients with KMP/KHE.
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Dec 2018
Health-care providers' perspectives on traditional and complementary alternative medicine of childhood cancer in Kenya.
Traditional and complementary alternative medicine (TCAM) use is rising globally. In many African countries, TCAM has been a way of life as the first and last resort remedy for many ailments, including cancer. Health-care providers (HCP) should address this need properly. This study explores HCP perspectives on TCAM in Kenya. ⋯ HCP need to improve their knowledge of TCAM and facilitate open communication about TCAM with families so parents feel safe to discuss their interest in it.
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Pediatric blood & cancer · Nov 2018
Translation, psychometric validation, and baseline results of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric measures to assess health-related quality of life of patients with pediatric lymphoma in Malawi.
Internationally validated tools to measure patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are available, but efforts to translate and culturally validate such tools in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce, particularly among children. ⋯ Translation and cultural validation of the PROMIS-25 into Chichewa for Malawi was successful. Baseline HRQoL for patients with pediatric lymphoma in Malawi is poor for all domains except peer relationships. This emphasizes an urgent need to address HRQoL among children undergoing cancer treatment in SSA using self-reported instruments validated within the local context.