The Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group (TCCSG) and the Kyushu Yamaguchi Children's Cancer Study Group (KYCCSG) performed a collaborative analysis of data on children with Down syndrome and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (DS-ALL). Among the 1,139 patients who were enrolled in the TCCSG L99-15, L99-1502, or the KYCCSG ALL 96 study, 13 patients with newly diagnosed ALL had DS. In the DS patients, a significantly higher proportion of patients developed ALL at age 5 years or older compared with the non-DS ALL patients (P < 0.001). The 5-year relapse-free or overall survival of DS-ALL patients was 50.0 or 61.5%, respectively. Relapse accounted for all causes of death. In the TCCSG L99-15 cohort, the overall survival of DS-ALL patients was 42.9%, which was significantly worse compared with 87.9% in the non-DS population (P < 0.001). The survival of patients who received reduced-dose chemotherapy was significantly worse than those who received full-dose chemotherapy (P < 0.001). However, a higher dose of methotrexate was not associated with a better outcome. Results of our preliminary study suggest that the survival of DS-ALL patients could be improved by treatment without dose reduction if possible, although the appropriate dose of methotrexate for DS-ALL needs to be determined.

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Among the types of acute thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is rare in children, and there is limited knowledge regarding its characteristics in pediatric cases. We present a case of SAT in a 6-yr-old boy who was brought to our hospital with high fever and pain in the front portion of the neck. Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST), which is common in children, was suspected initially. Tenderness observed in the thyroid corresponded to a hypoechoic region on ultrasonography. The tenderness subsequently shifted to the isthmus, which was evident as a hypoechoic region on ultrasonography. Movement of hypoechoicity is typical of creeping thyroiditis, wherein the pain and tenderness can be unilateral or may start on one side and subsequently shift to the contralateral side after days or even weeks. Based on this characteristic and changes in laboratory parameters, the patient was diagnosed as a case of creeping thyroiditis. Improvement was observed in the patient without the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. At the 2-yr follow-up, the patient did not have thyrotoxicosis or relapse. Although AST is more prevalent than SAT in children, ultrasonography findings of creeping thyroiditis may be an important indicator for the diagnosis of SAT in pediatric patients.

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