While the small size of this study does not permit definitive conclusions, these data, in combination with other data from the literature, suggest that composite evidence of bacterial pneumonia in otherwise low-risk infants with RSV presenting with respiratory failure is 20% or higher and the use of empirical antibiotics for 24 to 48 hrs pending culture results may be justified and could be used until CBP is excluded.
Ifosfamide is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of a broad spectrum of solid tumors. CNS toxicity is a well-described side effect of ifosfamide, but the mechanism of ifosfamide-induced neurotoxicity remains poorly defined. We present two pediatric cases of hemiballismic limb movements in the setting of ifosfamide-associated encephalopathy. To our knowledge, there have been no prior reports of ifosfamide-induced hemiballism in pediatric patients. One of our patient's encephalopathy and abnormal movements may have improved after the administration of methylene blue and thiamine.
Despite lack of evidence to guide stroke prevention in CCS treated with cranial radiation, a panel of regional physicians reached consensus on managing most clinical scenarios. Controversial areas requiring further study are surveillance imaging for asymptomatic survivors, aspirin for stroke prevention, and indications for specialty referral.
Background
Treatment‐associated cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for childhood cancer survivors (CCS). As evidence is not available to guide the management of CCS at risk for cardiomyopathy, we aim to describe the collective opinion of regional experts for the care of these patients using a consensus‐based Delphi methodology.
Procedure
Nineteen physicians from the New England region who care for CCS treated with cardiotoxic therapy (anthracyclines, thoracic radiation) participated in a Delphi panel querying their management approach, using three rounds of anonymous questionnaires formatted as five clinical scenarios. Consensus ≥ 89% agreement.
Results
The response rate was 100% for the first round and 95% for subsequent rounds. Panelists reached consensus on screening asymptomatic CCS with serial echocardiograms (94%) and electrocardiograms (89%), with some disagreement on frequency during pregnancy (83%). All panelists agreed with exercise promotion, with no restrictions on weight training. Consensus was reached on indications for referrals; cardiology for asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD) (100%) and maternal–fetal medicine for pregnancy (94%). In the scenario of ALVD, there was disagreement on the benefit of additional cardiac testing (50% cardiologists recommended cardiac MRI), and although all panelists endorsed treating with angiotension‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, most adult cardiologists (75%) also recommended therapy with beta blockers, compared with none of the pediatric cardiologists or primary‐care physicians.
Conclusions
Despite a lack of evidence to guide the management of CCS at risk for cardiomyopathy, a panel of regional physicians reached consensus on managing most clinical scenarios. A controversial area requiring further study is the medical management of ALVD.
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