Somatic state assessment of the health of patients with retinoblastoma in a long-term follow-up

Abstract

AIM: To comprehensively assess the incidence and nature of the chronic diseases in patients with retinoblastoma in the long-term follow-up
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study analyzed the long-term treatment results of 176 patients with retinoblastoma. Group 1 included 46 patients aged 18 years and Group 2 included 88 patients aged 18 and 35 years. A gynecologist and a urologist were consulted, a medical history was taken, and a physical examination with emphasis on the presence of secondary sexual characteristics and laboratory tests were performed to assess the endocrine function in surviving patients aged 18 years. Anamnestic data were used in patients aged 18 years.
 RESULTS: The somatic status data analysis of 46 surviving adolescents revealed that 29 (63%) have abnormalities. Chronic gastritis and gastroduodenitis, biliary dyskinesia, fatty hepatosis, and lactase deficiency predominate in gastrointestinal structure diseases. Respiratory diseases are represented by chronic nasopharyngeal diseases in 13.0% of children. Secondary immunodeficiency condition was diagnosed in 3 (6.5%) patients. Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue pathologies in deforming dorsopathies were identified in 10.9% of cases and bone and joint pain were identified in 8.7%. Chronic conditions were found in 42 (47.7%) of 88 patients in Group 2. Somatic disorders were found in 95.2%, hormonal disorders in 11.9%, psycho-emotional disorders in 9.5%, and combined pathology in 9.5% of cases. Endocrine pathology was detected in 14 patients (30.4%) aged 18 years.
 CONCLUSION: Retinoblastoma survivors have a high risk of somatic and endocrine disorders. The main risk factors are distance radiation therapy and alkylating agents. Regular lifelong follow-up of these patients is necessary to establish a medical rehabilitation system for children with retinoblastoma.