Pediatric Hematology-oncology Patients Research Articles

Clinical and radiological features of COVID-19 infection in pediatric hematology-oncology and transplant patients

Purpose: The goal of this study is to explain the characteristics of COVID-19 in this demographic, as well as the impact it had on pediatric cancer care during the pandemic. 
 Materials and Methods: Fifteen COVID-19 patients diagnosed were studied retrospectively. Clinical, laboratory and radiological data were collected in relation to 15 patients under the age of 18 who tested positive for Sars-CoV-2. 
 Results: Of the 12117 pediatric hemato-oncological patients tested for COVID-19, 1125 patients showed symptoms, and 14 tested positive. The majority of cases suffered minor illnesses. A total of ten children required inpatient care, five needed oxygen support, and four required mechanical ventilation and later died. It was noted that the duration of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity was prolonged in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy and/or immunosuppressive therapy. Patients’ chemotherapy was delayed in all 15 (100%) Sars-CoV-2-positive patients. Although changes visible on chest computed tomography (CT) imaging of children were mainly milder than in adults, radiological findings were more severe in patients who received relatively intensive cancer treatment. 
 Conclusion: Children who have been treated for cancer or who have undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may be at greater risk of severe COVID-19 and should be under constant observation.

Ensuring Sufficient Trough Plasma Concentrations for Broad-Spectrum Beta-Lactam Antibiotics in Children With Malignancies: Beware of Augmented Renal Clearance!

Introduction: Broad-spectrum beta-lactams are commonly prescribed for empirical or selective treatment of bacterial infections in children with malignancies. In the immunocompromised, appropriate concentration exposure is crucial to ensure antimicrobial efficacy. Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is increasingly recognized in this population, and raises concern for unmet concentration targets. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of meropenem and piperacillin exposure in our hospital's pediatric hematology-oncology patients.Materials and Methods: We compared trough levels of meropenem and piperacillin in a cohort of unselected pediatric hematology-oncology patients stratified based on their estimated renal function as decreased, normal or with ARC, and on their neutrophil count.Results: Thirty-two children provided a total of 51 meropenem and 76 piperacillin samples. On standard intermittent intravenous regimen, 67% of all trough plasma concentrations were below targeted concentrations. In neutropenic children with bacterial infection, all meropenem and 60% of piperacillin levels were below target. Nearly two-thirds of total samples came from children with ARC. In these patients, antimicrobial exposure was insufficient in 85% of cases (compared to 36% in the decreased or normal renal function groups), despite a dosage sometimes exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose. Under continuous infusion of piperacillin, only 8% of plasma levels were insufficient.Discussion: Intermittent administration of meropenem and piperacillin often fails to ensure sufficient concentration exposure in children treated for malignancies, even at maximal recommended daily dosage. This can in part be attributed to ARC. We recommend thorough assessment of renal function, resolute dosage adjustment, continuous infusion whenever possible and systematic therapeutic drug monitoring.

Ketamine alone is as efficacious and safe as ketamine with midazolam for procedural sedation in pediatric hematology oncology patients

Ketamine alone is as efficacious and safe as ketamine with midazolam for procedural sedation in pediatric hematology oncology patients

Right on Schedule: Improving the Rate of Clinic Appointments Scheduled Prior to Hospital Hospital Discharge.

Introduction:Children with cancer and blood disorders have many healthcare needs that often require inpatient and outpatient management. There is potential for a lapse in care when patients frequently transition between these settings. We aimed to improve the process and increase the rate of scheduled outpatient follow-up appointments at the time of inpatient discharge for all pediatric hematology-oncology patients from a baseline of 68–80%.Methods:A multidisciplinary team developed several Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to standardize and improve the process of scheduling follow-up appointments, communication to schedulers, and discussion of discharge planning. QI Macros for Excel Version 2019.06 was used for statistical analysis. Our primary outcome was displayed over time with a p-chart.Results:Plan-Do-Study-Act interventions had a statistically significant impact in increasing the percentage of patients with follow-up outpatient appointments scheduled at the time of inpatient discharge from a baseline of 68% to consistently over 80%.Conclusions:This study demonstrates that standardization of care processes and reminders and education of healthcare providers about the new approaches can improve the rates of outpatient follow-up appointments scheduled at the time of hospital discharge from inpatient care.

Clinical profile and outcome of COVID-19 in pediatric hematology-oncology patients

Introduction: Pediatric hematology-oncology patients are assumed to be predisposed to severe COVID-19 disease and complications, but robust data from low- and middle-income countries is lacking. This study was designed with the primary objective of finding the prevalence and outcome of COVID- 19 in children with hematological or oncological diseases. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19, outcomes in terms of need for respiratory support, intensive care, mechanical ventilation or mortality, delay in therapy, and use of COVID-19 directed therapy were analyzed. Method: Retrospective review of all children with hematological or oncological diseases with confirmed COVID-19 managed at Patan Hospital from Jan 2020 to Sep 2021. Patients were screened according to the hospital screening protocol. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 along with the delay in chemotherapy or local therapy were recorded. Result: Twelve children tested positive for SARS- CoV-2 during the study period, and one had reinfection with COVID-19, 9(75%) were oncology patients, while 3(25%) were hematology patients. Fever (83.3%) was the most common symptom, followed by cough (58.3%). Four (33.3%) children had mild infections, and 4(33.3%) had severe infections. Eight oncology patients had delays in starting or continuing chemotherapy or undergoing surgery due to COVID-19. The median duration of delay was 10.5 d (range-7-21 d). The delay in therapy in patients with COVID-19 was significant in comparison to children without COVID-19. Conclusion: The majority of pediatric hematology-oncology patients recovered from COVID-19 without sequelae. There was a delay in providing treatment to oncology patients due to changing protocols.

Comparison of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in 70% Alcohol and 10% Povidone-Iodine Used for Port Catheter Dressing Changes in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

Objective:This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol with that of 10% povidone-iodine, for dressing changes in pediatric hematology–­oncology patients with port catheters, in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). Methods:In this prospective, multicenter, observational, and cross-sectional study, 45 patients (25 patients for chlorhexidine, 20 patients for povidone-iodine) with port catheters were evaluated from January 2018 to May 2019. The sociodemographic, clinical, and port catheter-related variables were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 6.28 ± 4.58 years, and 60% of patients were female.Results:Among the patients whose dressings were changed using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol, the mean number of dressing changes was 39.52 ± 29.7 and the rates of exit-site infection and CRBSI were 20% (2.37/1000 catheter-days) and 16% (1.90/1000 catheter-days), respectively. Among the patients whose dressings were changed using 10% povidone-iodine, the mean number of dressing changes was 48.0 ± 31.48 and the rates of exit-site infection and CRBSI were 15% (1.59/1000 catheter-days) and 10% (1.06/1000 catheter-days), respectively. None of the patients developed pocket infections. The rates of CRBSI and exit-site infections were not different between the 2 antiseptic solutions.Conclusion:This study found no differences between the effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol and that of 10% povidone-iodine solution in preventing CRBSI. Therefore, both solutions can be used in dressing changes.

Evaluation for Metastatic Candida Focus and Mortality at Candida-associated Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections at the Pediatric Hematology-oncology Patients.

Candidemia and Candida-associated catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are the significant cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with malignancy. A retrospective analysis including all pediatric hematologic/oncologic malignancies patients with CRBSIs treated in Dr. Behçet Uz Children Diseases and Surgery Training and Research Hospital between the period of 2009 and 2020. During the study period, 53 children with CRBSIs associated with Candida species were included. The most common malignancy was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (45.3%) and acute myeloid leukemia (15.1%). A total of 56 Candida isolates were present including non-albicans Candida species (80.4%) and Candida albicans (19.6%). The most common isolated Candida species was Candida parapsilosis (42.9%) and followed by C. albicans (19.6%). The ratio of azole prophylaxis was significantly higher in patients with the non-albicans Candida group (P=0.031). Candida-related endocarditis (vegetation) was present in 2 (3.8%) patients, and the overall rate of hepatosplenic candidiasis was 3.8%. Seven days Candida attributable mortality was 7.5% (4 patients) and 30 days Candida attributable mortality was 11.3% (6 patients). The Candida species responsible for the Candida-related deaths were as following: Candida tropicalis (n=3), C. parapsilosis (n=2), and C. lusitanae (n=1). In pediatric cancer patients with Candida-associated CRBSIs, evaluation of the patient for organ involvement including liver and spleen ultrasonography and cardiac involvement with echocardiography are essential regardless of the patients' clinical picture.

A Multicenter Comparison of Rates of Central Venous Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections By Central Venous Catheter Type Among Pediatric Patients Receiving Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia

▪Therapy for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) requires long term central vascular access, which puts patients at risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections and their associated morbidity and mortality. Options for central venous catheter (CVC) access include tunneled external catheters, implanted ports, or peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). Multiple studies provide conflicting reports on which CVC type is least likely to be associated with bloodstream infections in pediatric hematology-oncology patients. This multicenter cohort of pediatric AML patients is the first to investigate the course-specific incidence of positive CVC blood cultures by line type.The study included patients receiving frontline chemotherapy for AML between 1/1/2012 and 6/30/2017 at 12 US institutions. Trained personnel completed manual chart abstraction from 12/1/2015 to 07/15/2017 to obtain information on demographics, diagnosis, treatment, antibacterial prophylaxis, CVC type at the start of each course, neutropenia duration, and blood culture results obtained from CVC. Abstractors followed a standardized protocol and were required to achieve >95% concordance with trainer before starting formal chart review.Course-specific follow-up began the first day absolute neutrophil count (ANC) fell below 200 cells/uL and continued to the earliest of first positive CVC culture (overall and separately for gram-positive and gram-negative species), ANC recovery, start of conditioning for stem cell transplant, relapse, death or start of next course. Per National Healthcare Safety Network guidance, common commensals were not considered true events with the exception of viridans group streptococci (VGS). Nonbacterial pathogens were also excluded. Covariate distributions were compared by CVC type using chi-square tests. Variability in CVC type by site was examined graphically. Incidence rates for CVC positive blood cultures were reported by line type as per 1000 neutropenic days. Multivariate Poisson regression with log of neutropenia duration as offset was used to compute adjusted rate ratios (aIRR) comparing rates of positive CVC blood cultures by line type, controlling for covariates itemized in Table 1. General estimating equation methods were used to account for non-independence of observations from patients from the same institution.The study population included 357 patients who received 1,164 chemotherapy courses. Median course duration was 38 days (IQR: 34-44) with a median neutropenia duration of 19 days (IQR: 14-25). CVC were present in all patients at the start of each course, with the exception of 11 (3.3%) patients lacking a CVC at the start of Induction I. While tunneled CVC were most prevalent representing 59.1% of courses, PICC and implanted ports were utilized in 28.9% and 11.6% of courses, respectively. There was considerable variation in the distribution of CVC type by treating institution (Figure 1). Age, race, and ethnicity distributions varied by line type (Table 1). Antibacterial prophylaxis was utilized in 47% of courses.In total, there were 300 (25.8%) courses in 199 (55.7%) patients complicated by a positive CVC blood culture during the neutropenic period. The overall incidence rate of positive CVC blood cultures was 6.5 per 1000 neutropenic days. Rates increased over the course of frontline treatment from 3.1 per 1000 neutropenic days in Induction I to 9.6 per 1000 neutropenic days in Intensification II. The rate of gram-positive events (4.2 per 1000 neutropenic days) was higher than gram-negative events (2.0 per 1000 neutropenic days). The most common isolated organisms were VGS at 57.3% and less than 1% of events were polymicrobial infections. Overall rates of positive CVC blood cultures were higher for PICC relative to tunneled CVC (aIRR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.38), while rates for implanted ports and tunneled CVC were similar (aIRR=1.06, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.51).While bacteremia is an expected complication during post-chemotherapy neutropenia and not always due to the presence of a CVC, the risk for a positive CVC blood culture is significantly increased for children with PICC compared with those with tunneled CVC or implanted port. Also, the risk was higher after Induction I and increased with age. Given the notable practice variation in line choice, these data highlight an opportunity for standardization with a goal to reduce infectious complications. [Display omitted] DisclosuresFisher:Pfizer: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding. Gramatges:Bristol Meyer Squibb: Research Funding.

COVID-19 outcomes in a large pediatric hematology-oncology center in Houston, Texas

An understanding of the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric hematology-oncology patients is essential to the optimal management of these patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 disease in children with cancer or hematologic disorders treated at a large children’s hospital. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. All patients with a primary hematology-oncology diagnosis and SARS-CoV-2 positivity by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were identified. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the medical record. Descriptive analyses were performed to evaluate COVID-19-related outcomes and risk factors for severe disease in this population. We identified 109 patients with COVID-19 disease, including 52 hematology, 51 oncology, and 6 HSCT patients; median age was 10.3 years (IQR 4.4–15.9), and 58.7% were male. Seventy-four percent of the patients were managed in the outpatient setting. Patients with sickle cell disease were more likely to require hospitalization. ICU care was needed in 8% (n = 9) of the entire cohort, and mechanical ventilation was required in 6.4% (6 oncology patients, 1 hematology patient). COVID-19 contributed to the deaths of two cancer patients. No deaths occurred in hematology or HSCT patients. In conclusion, the risk of severe COVID-19 complications is slightly higher in pediatric hematology-oncology patients than in the general pediatric population but lower than initially feared. For most asymptomatic patients, primary disease management may continue as planned, but treatment decisions must be individualized.

Diagnostic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in the Greek Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Units: Report from the Infection Working Group of the Hellenic Society of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology.

An audit based on a specific questionnaire was attempted, in order to investigate the mycology laboratory diagnostic capacity for invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in Greek Paediatric Haematology-Oncology departments/units. The study provided the relevant information for the years 2019 and 2020 and included data from all units, concerning culture-based methods and direct microscopy, phenotypic and molecular identification, sensitivity testing, serology and molecular diagnosis, as well as therapeutic drug monitoring. The target was mostly to reveal the level of laboratory coverage for hospitalised paediatric patients, independently of the possibility of performing the tests in the host hospital, or otherwise to refer the specimens elsewhere. In total, the current study demonstrated that the most important facilities and services regarding the IFD diagnostics for paediatric haematology-oncology patients in Greece are available and relatively easily accessible, with a reasonable turnaround time. Acting as an initial registry for further improvements, the audit can serve as a valuable approach to the actual situation and future perspectives. A national clinical mycology network under the auspices of the relevant scientific societies will probably facilitate collaboration between all the departments (clinical and laboratory) involved in invasive fungal infections and provide an easier approach to any necessary test for any hospitalised patient.

Could the COVID-19 infection have a better prognosis than expected in pediatric hematology oncology and bone marrow transplant patients?

Could the COVID-19 infection have a better prognosis than expected in pediatric hematology oncology and bone marrow transplant patients?

The Effect of Concealing the Hydration Fluid on Anticipatory Nausea-Vomiting in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of concealing the hydration fluid bottle in order to reduce the experience of anticipatory nausea and vomiting before chemotherapy treatment in pediatric hematology oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Design and methodsThe study was carried out as a randomized controlled clinical trial. The study was conducted sixty-two pediatric oncology patients who underwent chemotherapy in a hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The patients were randomly alloceted to an intervention group (n = 32) or a control group (n = 30). Patients in the intervention group concealing the hydration fluid bottle throughout the duration of hydration; patients in the control group received routine procedure (No concealment intervention) during hydration degree of nausea and vomiting were measured by the Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) scale. ResultsThis study found no differences in the characteristics of the patients or in degree of nausea and vomiting between groups at enrollment. After concealing the hydration fluid bottle during the hydration, BARF scores were lower in the intervention group (p < .001). ConclusionConcealing the hydration fluid had significant effects on degree of nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology patient who received hydration before chemotherapy. Application to practiceThis approach can be added as routine care as an effective non pharmacological intervention for pediatric oncology patient with receiving chemotherapy.

#20: Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients: 3 Years’ Experience of a Specialty Pediatrics Hospital in Tuxtla Gutierrez Chiapas. Mexico

Abstract Background Bloodstream infections are the major cause of morbidity, increased cost, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality in pediatric patients. During treatment, cancer patients require a central vascular access; however, central venous catheters are an important source of bloodstream infections. Rigorous infection control measures and continuous surveillance are required to curb the frequency of these infections. Objective We aimed to identify the causative microorganisms in patients with central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in hematology-oncology pediatric patients. Material and Methods All pediatric hematology-oncology patients with CLABSI of Specialty Pediatrics Hospital between January 2016 and September 2019 were reviewed. We defined CLABSI according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention definition. Demographic data and microbiologic isolation were analyzed. Results Seventy-five cases of CLABSI in 432 patients (mean age 9.5 years) were reported. The incidence of CLABSI was 0.9/1000 catheter-days (80,232 total catheter-days). Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia had the highest infection density 2.5 /1000 patients-day. Coagulase-negative staphylococci was isolated in 38.5% (30/75) of significant blood culture (CoNS 38.5%); P. aeruginosa in 18.6% (14/75); K. pneumoniae in 10.6% (3/75); E. coli in 6.6% (5/75); and Candida tropicalis in 5.3%(4/75) of cases. Enterobacteriaceae were broad-spectrum betalactamase producers; P. aeruginosa was susceptible to antibiotics betalactamics with antipseudomonal action and Candida spp. was susceptible to azoles. We did not use lock antibiotic therapy and all the catheters were removed once CLABSI was diagnosed. Empiric antibiotic treatment in CLABSI in Specialty Pediatrics Hospital based on these findings includes ceftazidime plus vancomycin. Conclusions CoNS and P. aeruginosa are the predominant pathogens in CLABSI among pediatric hematology-oncology patient. Antibiotic susceptibility profile has no change during the period of time analyzed, so empiric therapy remains appropriate.

Never Enough Time: Mixed Methods Study Identifies Drivers of Temporal Demand That Contribute to Burnout Among Physicians Who Care for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients.

Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment because of chronic occupational stress. Approximately one third of pediatric hematology-oncology physicians experience burnout. The goal of this mixed methods study was to determine the prevalence and drivers of burnout among physicians caring for pediatric hematology-oncology patients at our institution. This mixed methods, cross-sectional study was conducted at a large academic cancer center. Validated survey instruments were used to measure burnout, job demands, experience with patient safety events, and workplace culture. Quantitative data informed development of a semistructured interview guide, and physicians were randomly selected to participate in individual interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed via content analysis based on a priori codes. The survey was distributed to 132 physicians, and 53 complete responses were received (response rate 40%). Of the 53 respondents, 15 (28%) met criteria for burnout. Experiencing burnout was associated with increased temporal demand. Twenty-six interviews were conducted. Qualitative themes revealed that frequent meetings, insufficient support staff, and workflow interruptions were key drivers of temporal demand and that temporal demand contributed to burnout through emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment. Nearly one-third of participating physicians met criteria for burnout, and burnout was associated with increased temporal demand. Qualitative interviews identified specific drivers of temporal demand and burnout, which can be targeted for intervention. This methodology can be easily adapted for broad use and may represent an effective strategy for identifying and mitigating institution-specific drivers of burnout.

P0157 / #2124: IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR THE RIGHT PROBLEM: THE CRITICALLY-ILL PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY-ONCOLOGY PATIENT

Aims & Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, management and outcome of unplanned transfers to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) from the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Inpatient Unit (PHOIU). Methods: Retrospective descriptive study in a tertiary hospital including 34 non-elective PICU transfers from the PHOIU in 2019. Results: 20 patients (60% boys, mean age 7.7 years) required 34 PICU unplanned transfers (41.5% of the total PICU admissions from the PHOIU). 80% had malignancies, acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most frequent (25%) and 55% had undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The majority were hospitalized for diagnosis confirmation (55%) or treatment initiation (40%). The median stay before PICU admission was 34.7 days. The median delay since the deterioration event to the intensivist’s evaluation and PICU transfer was 3.8 and 5.6 hours respectively. The median PICU stay was 4.4 days. During the first 24 hours of PICU stay, non-invasive ventilation was required in 11.5% of the episodes, invasive ventilation in 14.7% and vasoactive drugs in 17.6%. Upon admission, neutropenia was present in 47.1%, neurologic impairment in 20.1%, systemic inflammatory response syndrome in 38.2% and multiorgan failure in 35.3%. The most frequent diagnoses were sepsis/septic shock (35.6%), pneumonia (11.7%) and catheter-related bacteraemia (5.9%). Mortality rate was 15% during PICU stay. Conclusions: Morbimortality in pediatric hematology-oncology patients requiring an unplanned PICU admission is high. We decided to implement EVAT, an early warning system specific to the pediatric hematology-oncology patient for early detection and management of clinical deterioration in behalf of improving healthcare quality and survival.

Clinical and organizational risk factors for mortality during deterioration events among pediatric oncology patients in Latin America: A multicenter prospective cohort

BackgroundHospitalized pediatric hematology‐oncology (PHO) patients have frequent clinical deterioration events (CDE) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission, particularly in resource‐limited settings. The objective of this study was to describe CDEs in hospitalized PHO patients in Latin America and to identify event‐level and center‐level risk factors for mortality.MethodsIn 2017, the authors implemented a prospective registry of CDEs, defined as unplanned transfers to a higher level of care, use of ICU‐level interventions on the floor, or nonpalliative floor deaths, in 16 PHO centers in 10 countries. PHO hospital admissions and hospital inpatient days were also reported. This study analyzes the first year of registry data (June 2017 to May 2018).ResultsAmong 16 centers, 553 CDEs were reported in PHO patients during 11,536 admissions and 119,414 inpatient days (4.63 per 1000 inpatient days). Event mortality was 29% (1.33 per 1000 inpatient days) but ranged widely across centers (11%‐79% or 0.36‐5.80 per 1000 inpatient days). Significant risk factors for event mortality included requiring any ICU‐level intervention on the floor and not being transferred to a higher level of care. Events with organ dysfunction, a higher severity of illness, and a requirement for ICU intervention had higher mortality. In center‐level analysis, hospitals with a higher volume of PHO patients, less floor use of ICU intervention, lower severity of illness on transfer, and lower rates of floor cardiopulmonary arrest had lower event mortality.ConclusionsHospitalized PHO patients who experience CDEs in resource‐limited settings frequently require floor‐based ICU interventions and have high mortality. Modifiable hospital practices around the escalation of care for these high‐risk patients may contribute to poor outcomes. Earlier recognition of critical illness and timely ICU transfer may improve survival in hospitalized children with cancer.

The effect of virtual reality on pain, fear, and anxiety during access of a port with huber needle in pediatric hematology-oncology patients: Randomized controlled trial.

Port needle insertions are painful and distressing for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology patients. Virtual Reality (VR) can be used during needle-related procedures in these patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VR distraction during access to the venous port with a Huber needle in reducing needle-related pain, fear, and anxiety of children and adolescents with cancer. This randomized controlled study used a parallel trial design guided by the CONSORT checklist. The sample of children (n=42) was allocated to the VR group (n=21) and the control group (n=21). Port needle-related pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale after the procedure. Before and after the port needle insertion procedure, anxiety and fear assessed using self- and parent-report using the Children's Anxiety Meter and Child Fear Scale. The primary outcome was the patient-reported pain scores after the procedure and fear and anxiety scores before and after the procedure. Pain, anxiety, and fear scores of the two groups and within groups were analyzed and also Spearman correlation analysis was used. Self-reported pain scores of patients in the VR and control group were 2.4±1.8 and 5.3±1.8, respectively. This study found a statistically significant difference between groups in pain scores (p<.001). A statistically significant difference was found between groups according to the self- and parent-reported fear and anxiety scores after the procedure. Self-reported fear scores in the VR and control group were 0.8±0.9, 2.0±1.0, self-reported anxiety scores were 2.9±2.0, 5.4±2.0, respectively (p<.001). Virtual reality is an effective distraction method in reducing port needle-related pain, fear, and anxiety in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology patients. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04093154.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Feasibility of Anti-Fibrinolytic Agents in Reducing Hemorrhagic Complications in Pediatric Patients with Thrombocytopenia

Background: The risk of bleeding remains high in thrombocytopenic pediatric hematology-oncology patients despite the use of prophylactic platelet transfusions. In one study, WHO grade 2 or higher bleeding occurred in &amp;gt;80% of pediatric subjects receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or chemotherapy despite a platelet transfusion threshold of 10,000/µl. The risk of bleeding is not decreased with higher transfusion thresholds or increased platelet doses. Bleeding episodes are associated with increased mortality rates, greater utilization of resources and increased transfusion requirements. We examined the use of anti-fibrinolytic agents in decreasing bleeding events and platelet transfusions. Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blinded Phase 2 trial of tranexamic acid versus placebo in inpatient pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy or HSCT expected to have prolonged thrombocytopenia. All patients admitted to the Oncology or HSCT services were screened for eligibility. Patients consenting for enrollment received either tranexamic acid 10m/kg/dose or normal saline every 8 hours while the platelet count as &amp;lt;30,000/ul until discharge or spontaneous platelet recovery (maximum 30 days). We conducted daily hemostatic assessments using the WHO bleeding scale and monitored adverse events and platelet transfusion requirements. Follow-up assessments took place at 7 and 30 days following completion of study medication. Primary aims were to assess safety and feasibility of tranexamic acid in children with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia. Results: We screened 697 admissions over 11 months, 31 patients were eligible for enrollment. Enrollment was suspended in March 2020 for COVID reasons though screening continued through July 2020. An additional 10 eligible patients were identified in this period. The most common reasons for ineligibility included recent asparaginase administration, predicted inpatient stay &amp;lt;5 days and age ≤ 2 or ≥ 18 years. Eleven patients enrolled and completed all study procedures. There were no missed doses of medication, 88.4% of doses were administered within one hour of prescribed time. Patients remained on study for a mean of 11.1 days. Five patients each met criteria for spontaneous platelet count recovery or discharge, 1 patient received the study medication for 30 days. Bleeding (all grades) occurred on 29.5% of days. Grade 2 or higher bleeding occurred on 4.9% of days and was experienced by 27.3% of patients. The most common sites of bleeding were oral/nasal and cutaneous. Subjects received a median of 2 platelet transfusions per patient. There were no thromboembolic events or serious adverse events. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid is well tolerated can be safely administered to pediatric oncology patients as an adjunct to therapy. We are planning a multi-center randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding complications in this population. Disclosures Triulzi: Fresenius Kabi: Consultancy; Cerus Corp: Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: Tranexamic Acid - This medication is being studied as an adjuvant to therapy to prevent bleeding complications and reduce platelet transfusions in pediatric patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia.

Evaluation of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients With Bloodstream Infection.

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a serious complication in pediatric hematology-oncology patients. To evaluate the clinical significance of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), albumin, fibrinogen, and D-dimer as potential biomarkers to differentiate among various subtypes of BSIs in pediatric patients with hematologic and oncologic diseases, we retrieved and analyzed the medical records of pediatric hematology-oncology patients diagnosed with BSI at our hospital between January 2016 and December 2017. The demographic (sex and age) and clinical (primary diseases) characteristics, and laboratory test results (white blood cell and absolute neutrophil counts, and serum CRP, PCT, albumin, fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels) were compared between nosocomial and non-nosocomial; neutropenic and non-neutropenic; and Gram-positive and Gram-negative BSI episodes. A total of 125 BSI episodes were included, including 69 (55.2%) nosocomial cases, 94 (75.2%) neutropenic cases, and 49 (39.2%) Gram-positive episodes. Of the 5 potential biomarkers evaluated (CRP, PCT, albumin, fibrinogen, and D-dimer), PCT levels were significantly lower in neutropenic episodes and Gram-positive BSIs (P=0.008 and P=0.001, respectively). At a cutoff value of 0.67 ng/mL, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values of PCT for the differentiation of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial sepsis were 74.2%, 64.6%, 70.8%, and 65.2%, respectively. We concluded that PCT might potentially serve as a biomarker to differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative BSIs in pediatric hematology-oncology patients.

Are the Anxiety Levels of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients Different From Healthy Peers During the COVID-19 Outbreak?

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused anxiety among children with hematology-oncology disease and their families, as it has in every segment of society. In this study, we aimed to detect the anxiety levels of children with hematologic or oncologic disease and of their parents after the COVID-19 outbreak. The sample consisted of 15 patients 12 to 18 years of age receiving treatment in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit in Altinbaş University Medical Faculty Bahçelievler Medikalpark Hospital and 33 parents of the same unit patients between 6 and 18 years of age, and their 35 healthy peers and their parents. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was applied to participant children and their parents to evaluate their general anxiety and pandemic-related anxiety levels. Children with a hematology-oncology disease and their families were compared with healthy peers and their families. No significant difference was observed for pandemic-related anxiety levels (P>0.05). Both parent groups exhibited higher anxiety levels with regard to the pandemic than did their children (P<0.05). Children with hematology-oncology disease reported significantly higher trait anxiety levels when compared with healthy peers (P=0.01). The families of children who had not received stem cell transplantation had higher state and trait anxiety scores than the families of children who had received the transplantation (P<0.05). Even though they were in the high-risk group, children with a hematology-oncology disease and their families had pandemic-related anxiety levels comparable with those of healthy peers and their families.