Abstract
A substantial number of children cared for by pediatric palliative care physicians have progressive non-malignant conditions. Some elements of their care overlap with care for children with cancer while other elements, especially prognosis and trajectory, have nuanced differences. This article reviews the population, physical-emotional and social concerns, and trajectory.
Highlights
In industrialized countries the majority of children cared for in Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC)programs have non-malignant diseases other than cancer
In North America cancer comprises only 30–40% of the cases seen by pediatric palliative care clinical teams
In order to understand the approach to conditions other than cancer followed by PPC teams, it helps to understand terminology and current classification schemes
Summary
In industrialized countries the majority of children cared for in Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC). Programs have non-malignant diseases other than cancer This includes a very broad range of conditions affecting the brain, the muscles, the heart and lungs. In North America cancer comprises only 30–40% of the cases seen by pediatric palliative care clinical teams. This is a testimony to the overall rarity of childhood cancer and to the overarching success of current treatments. A surgical oncologist, Balfour Mount, coined the term “palliative care” It was not until some 15 years later that the first hospice for children was developed by Sister Francis Dominica with Helen House, Oxford. This article will describe the broad epidemiology of the non-cancer conditions seen by PPC clinicians, provide insights into aspects of care, and point out areas needing focused research
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