Current opinion in pediatrics
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Feb 2016
ReviewAdvances in the biology and treatment of pediatric central nervous system tumors.
Central nervous system tumors represent the most common solid tumors in children and are a leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in this age group. Here, we provide an update on insights gained through molecular profiling of the most common malignant childhood brain tumors. ⋯ Molecularly based classification of pediatric brain tumors provides a critical framework for the more precise stratification and treatment of children with brain tumors.
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Feb 2016
ReviewMinor head injury: limiting patient exposure to ionizing radiation, risk stratification, and concussion management.
We review recommendations from recent publications on the evaluation of minor head trauma. We focus on the risks of radiation from computed tomographies (CTs), the establishment of patient risk stratifications to help guide the necessity of emergent neuroimaging, and current thoughts regarding concussions. ⋯ Pediatric minor head injury is a common complaint, but the vast majority of those injured will suffer no significant consequences. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network has created an algorithm to identify minor head trauma patients who require emergent head CTs versus those at low risk who do not require neuroimaging. Additionally, in recent years there has been an increase in the occurrence of concussions. We describe the characteristics of concussions, appropriate management, and the return-to-play guidelines.