Treatment Outcomes Of Pediatric Patients Research Articles

Reevaluating Pediatric Osteomyelitis with Osteoarticular Tuberculosis: Addressing Diagnostic Delays and Improving Treatment Outcomes

Background: Pediatric osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings, where delayed diagnosis and treatment frequently lead to severe long-term complications. Despite advancements in TB control, skeletal TB in children is often misdiagnosed due to its non-specific clinical presentation, contributing to poor outcomes such as joint deformities, growth disturbances, and chronic pain. The complexity of diagnosing osteoarticular TB is further exacerbated by the limited sensitivity of conventional diagnostic tools and the overlap with other musculoskeletal conditions. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of early detection and multidisciplinary management on treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with osteoarticular TB. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at the Pediatric Orthopedics Department of the “Grigore Alexandrescu” Children’s Hospital in Romania from 2009 to 2023. Case data included clinical, imaging, and microbiological findings, and treatment outcomes in children aged 0–18 years diagnosed with tuberculous osteomyelitis. Results: The study identified varied clinical presentations, with delayed diagnosis often linked to misinterpretation of symptoms as non-TB infections. Multimodal diagnostic approaches combining imaging, microbiological testing, and histopathology improved diagnostic accuracy. Early surgical intervention alongside anti-TB therapy proved effective in reducing long-term complications. Conclusions: Timely, accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are critical to improving outcomes in pediatric osteoarticular TB. Vaccination status and comprehensive diagnostic tools significantly influence disease progression and treatment success. The study underscores the need for enhanced screening and diagnostic methods to prevent delays in treatment.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: a Single-Center Experience From Southern Turkey

Purpose: Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounts for 8‑10% of all childhood cancers. In this study, we aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric NHL patients treated at a tertiary center. Methods: The oncologic records of the patients diagnosed and followed up as NHL between 2013 and 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: A total of 36 patients were enrolled in this study. The most common pathologic subtype was lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) (n=21, 58.3%) followed by Burkitt lymphoma (BL) (n=10, 27.8%), diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL) (11.1%, n=4), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) (2.8%, n=1). Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were significantly longer in patients without bone marrow (BM) involvement (p=0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). EFS was significantly longer in patients without central nervous system (CNS) involvement (p=0.038). OS and EFS did not differ significantly according to NHL subtypes (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in OS according to age groups (p=0.7). Conclusion: The OS with NHL has significantly improved. With the development of effective treatment regimens based on various pathologic subtypes, the result of pediatric NHL has significantly improved in recent years. The survival rates have reached >90%.

Acceptability of compounded preparations – A Romanian pediatric hospital perspective

Compounded medicines are widely used, especially for pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate children’s acceptability of compounded preparations and to provide information regarding compounding practices' characteristics in a Romanian hospital setting. An observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study was conducted in three Clinical Pediatric Departments (Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Cluj-Napoca). The study population comprised patients under 18 years old taking at least one compounded medication. Study data was collected mainly through an interviewer-administered questionnaire and medicine acceptability was assessed based on the children’s first reaction to the preparations using a 3-point facial hedonic scale. A total of 162 compounded medications were evaluated. A positive/negative reaction was reported for 20.83%/58.33%, 20.63%/49.21%, and 66.67%/7.41% of oral, oromucosal and cutaneous dosage forms. Although patient disapproval was recorded for various reasons, medication administration was successful in over 75% of cases. Factors such as fewer steps required for intake of a dose, capsule dosage form, no additional food/drink immediately after drug intake, medication perceived as “easy/very easy” to swallow, were correlated with a better acceptability of oral preparations. This study highlights the importance of identifying factors that can improve the acceptability of compounded preparations and, subsequently, treatment outcomes in pediatric patients.

The role of psychiatric symptoms, sociodemographic factors, and baseline sleep variables on pediatric insomnia treatment outcomes in a clinically referred population.

The current study aimed to examine clinically relevant psychiatric and sociodemographic predictors of insomnia treatment outcomes in pediatric patients clinically referred for insomnia. Pediatric patients (n = 1,428; ages 1.5-18 years) presenting for insomnia evaluation in a medical/sleep center-based behavioral sleep clinic were followed for treatment as clinically indicated. According to patient age, parents/patients completed validated measures of insomnia severity, psychiatric symptoms, and sociodemographic measures. Patients were also categorized by treatment outcome status (ie, not recommended to follow-up after initial evaluation and treatment session, successful treatment completion, lost to follow-up after initial evaluation and treatment session, and early termination) according to the clinically indicated treatment recommended and dose of treatment received. Youth had elevated scores on psychiatric screening indexes and affective problems were highest for all age groups. Other comorbid sleep disorders were present in nearly 25% of patients with insomnia and use of sleep aids (melatonin or hypnotics) was commonplace. Baseline insomnia severity significantly predicted sleep treatment trajectories and posttreatment insomnia severity with large effects for all age groups. Other clinically relevant predictors of insomnia treatment outcomes included medication use and externalizing mental health concerns in younger patients and internalizing mental health concerns and chronological age in older patients. Lack of treatment follow-up and premature treatment termination was observed for patients with the worst insomnia symptoms at time of initial evaluation. Pediatric health providers delivering insomnia treatment should take a developmentally sensitive approach that is proactive with regards to managing treatment barriers that are likely influenced by severity of insomnia and comorbid mental health concerns. Van Dyk TR, Simmons DM, Durracio K, Becker SP, Byars KC. The role of psychiatric symptoms, sociodemographic factors, and baseline sleep variables on pediatric insomnia treatment outcomes in a clinically referred population. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(11):1727-1738.

Epilepsy Treatment Outcome and Its Predictors Among Children Who Had Chronic Follow Up at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects millions of people worldwide. A significant number of children are affected globally, and most live in developing countries, often with physical and cognitive disabilities. Regardless of these factors, epilepsy is poorly controlled, particularly in the developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of treatment outcomes and its predictors among pediatrics patients with epilepsy who were followed-up at the Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June 2022 to 30 August 2022. A total of 200 patients with epilepsy were included in this study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and by reviewing medical records. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were computed. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression. In multivariable analysis, adjusted odd ratio with 95% CI and p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Of 200 pediatric patients with epilepsy, 66 (34.5%) had poor treatment outcomes. In the multivariate analysis, 11-15 years of age (AOR = 4.08; 95% CI = 1.202, 13.848), poor treatment adherence (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.421, 7.249), history of more seizure frequency before starting treatment (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI = 1.984, 8.834) and history of head injury (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.502, 6.112) were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Significant proportion of pediatric patients with epilepsy had poor treatment outcomes. Therefore, health-care workers should strictly follow patient treatment especially for pediatric epileptic patients' who have poor treatment adherence, more seizure frequency history, head injury history and whose age were 11-15 years old.

Incidence and Management of Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumors in Pediatric Population: A Bicentric Experience with 6285 Appendectomies.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare tumors that arise from neuroendocrine cells and are the most common tumors of the appendix. NETs of the appendix usually cause no symptoms and often go unnoticed until they cause acute appendicitis or are discovered during an accidental appendectomy. As the trend towards the conservative treatment of acute appendicitis increases in the pediatric population, the question arises as to whether the majority of NETs go undetected and are only discovered at an advanced stage. The purpose of the proposed study is to review the incidence and outcomes of treatment for NETs of the appendix in children and include the data presented in the data pool for further review. From 1 January 2009 to 1 November 2023, a total of 6285 appendectomies were performed in two large pediatric centers in Croatia. After a retrospective review of the case records and histopathologic findings, a total of 31 children (0.49%) were diagnosed with NET of the appendix and included in the further analysis. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence and treatment outcome of pediatric patients diagnosed with NET of the appendix. Secondary outcomes included the patients' demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and the histopathologic characteristics of tumor species. The overall incidence of NETs of the appendix was stable over the study years, with minor fluctuations. The median age of patients was 14 (interquartile range-IQR: 12, 16) years, with a female predominance (64.5%). The majority of patients (96.8%) presented with acute abdominal pain and underwent appendectomy because acute appendicitis was suspected. Acute appendicitis was confirmed by histopathology in 18 (58%) cases. NETs of the appendix were not detected preoperatively in any of the patients. Among patients with confirmed acute appendicitis, most (n = 14; 77.8%) were found to have non-perforated acute appendicitis. In most children, the tumor was located at the tip of the appendix (n = 18; 58.1%), and the majority of tumors had a diameter of less than 1 cm (n = 21, 67.7%). The mitotic count (n = 25, 80.6%) and Ki-67 proliferation index (n = 23, 74.2%) were low in most patients, so most tumors were classified as NET G1 (n = 25, 80.6%), while NET G2 and NET G3 were found in four (12.9%) and two (6.5%) patients, respectively. All children were treated with appendectomy only. The median follow-up time was 54 (IQR: 24, 95) months. The incidence of appendiceal NET among pediatric patients is very low. NET occurs most frequently in adolescents, with a female predominance. Most tumors are less than 1 cm in diameter, located at the tip, and associated with non-perforated appendicitis. Appendectomy is the treatment of choice, and major surgery was not necessary in our cohort.

The use of clinical laboratory and radiologic data in the assessment of pediatric extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases in Kisumu County Kenya

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is detected more frequently in children than adults since the risk of lymphohematogen spread is high in young children. Tuberculosis may attack any organ in the body, including the lymph nodes and the central nervous system. In children, it is difficult to detect tuberculosis since most signs and symptoms are not easily detected in young children. However, it has been documented to be the most crucial cause of mortality in the childhood age group. It has also been found to be non-specific, with low sensitivity to diagnostic tests amongst pediatric patients. This is partly because of its ability to mimic many other disease manifestations. This study evaluated the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic observations and treatment outcomes in pediatric patients followed up in the TB clinic.

Pediatric atypical extraventricular neurocytoma: Clinical features and survival outcomes.

Extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN) in children is an extremely rare encountered tumor. Little information is available about the treatment and prognosis of this rare disease in children. This study was undertaken to elucidate the clinical-radiological characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with atypical EVN. A retrospective review of patients' demographic features, treatment modalities, and outcomes in our institution from January 2011 to December 2019 was conducted. Seven consecutive children harboring atypical EVN in our center were included, with a male predominance (n = 5, 71.4%) and a mean age of 11.8 ± 4.9years (range: 2-18years). The lesions mainly involved the frontal (n = 4, 57.1%) and temporal lobes (n = 4, 57.1%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 6 patients (85.7%), and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in the remaining patient (14.3%). All lesions demonstrated a high Ki-67 index (≧5%) and atypical features pathologically. Five patients (71.4%) received radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy after surgery. During follow-up, 5 patients (71.4%) experienced lesion progression, and 2 (14.3%) of them died. The median progression-free survival was 48months. The prognosis of pediatric patients with atypical EVN was dismal after aggressive treatment. Most tumors progressed, and this progression was positively correlated with the Ki-67 index. Surgical excision is the main treatment modality for atypical EVN, and radiation/chemotherapy should also be introduced after surgery.

Clinical Spectrum and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Developmental and/or Epileptic Encephalopathy with Spike-and-Wave Activation in Sleep

Purpose: Developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep (D/EE-SWAS) is a spectrum of conditions characterized by various phenotypes of cognitive, linguistic, and behavioral regression associated with spike-and-wave activation in sleep. We aimed to investigate the phenotypic spectrum and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with D/EE-SWAS.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with D/EE-SWAS and treated at Severance Children’s Hospital from 2006 to 2022. We extracted information from their medical records on electroencephalography before and after treatment, types of treatment, seizure frequency, and developmental profiles. The primary outcome was reduction of the spike-wave index on electroencephalography after treatment.Results: Twenty-one patients with a median age of 5.3 years (interquartile range, 4.1 to 6.6) at diagnosis were included. Ten patients had delayed development. The patients received various anti-seizure medications. Fourteen received long-term, high-dose steroid therapy, 10 were placed on a ketogenic diet, four received intravenous steroid pulse therapy, and one each was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and cannabidiol. The most effective treatments were steroid therapy and a ketogenic diet, which were also effective in reducing seizures and improving cognition. Side effects during treatment were transient and treatable.Conclusion: We described the clinical spectrum of pediatric patients with D/EE-SWAS. Steroid therapy and a ketogenic diet can be considered effective therapeutic options for patients with D/EE SWAS.

Epidemiology and treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with post-injection paralysis

BackgroundPost-injection paralysis (PIP) of the sciatic nerve is an iatrogenic paralysis that occurs after an intramuscular injection, with resultant foot deformity and disability. This study investigates the epidemiology and treatment of PIP in Uganda.MethodsHealth records of pediatric patients surgically treated for PIP at the CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital from 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre-operative demographics, perioperative management, and outcomes were coded and analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square for categorical variables, and linear models for continuous variables.ResultsFour-hundred and two pediatric patients underwent 491 total procedures. Eighty-three percent of reported injection indications were for febrile illness. Twenty-five percent of reported injections explicitly identified quinine as the agent. Although ten different procedures were performed, achilles tendon lengthening, triple arthrodesis, tibialis posterior and anterior tendon transfers composed 83% of all conducted surgeries. Amongst five different foot deformities, equinus and varus were most likely to undergo soft tissue and bony procedures, respectively (p=0.0223). Ninteen percent of patients received two or more surgeries. Sixty-seven percent of patients achieved a plantigrade outcome; 13.61% had not by the end of the study period; 19.3% had unreported outcomes. Those who lived further from the facility had longer times between the inciting injection and initial hospital presentation (p=0.0216) and were more likely to be lost to follow-up (p=0.0042).ConclusionPIP is a serious iatrogenic disability. Prevention strategies are imperative, as over 400 children required 491 total surgical procedures within just six years at one hospital in Uganda.

Determinants of treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with acute rhinosinusitis caused orbital complications: observational study

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of the study was to identify predictors of disease severity and describe the characteristics of orbital complications as the direct result of ARS in children.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Through retrospective study, we investigated 78 children with stage I-IV orbital complications between 2005 and 2020 in regional multidisciplinary children's medical center. Samples were obtained for the microbiological analyses. Statistical tests and descriptive statistical methods were used.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The research included 78 children who were hospitalized for orbital complications after ARS. There were 44 male patients (56.4%), with a sex ratio of 1.29:1. &lt;em&gt;Staphylococcus aureus&lt;/em&gt; was cultured in 31 (34.8%) of patients, followed by &lt;em&gt;Streptococcus pyogenes&lt;/em&gt; in 26 (29.2%). We found a significant association between age, severity of complications and treatment outcomes. The age of over seven years was associated with more severe orbital complications (stage II-III) and the need of surgical intervention (p&amp;lt;0.001). Pre-clinical antibiotic administration had no significant influence on illness severity at the time of presentation (p=0.38).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: In this study, severe orbital complications and the age of over seven years were determinants the antibiotic failure. Clinicians should consider early referral of children older than seven years with orbital complications for better treatment outcomes.&lt;/p&gt;

RONC-16. Proton therapy for patients with embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes in early childhood – results of the prospective KiProReg Study

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) are rare malignancies of the central nervous system occurring predominantly in early childhood. Little is known about optimal time point and target volume of radiotherapy for the respective patients. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate treatment outcome in pediatric patients with ETMR treated with Proton Therapy (PT). METHODS: Between May 2016 and August 2021, 15 patients (9 male /6 female) with ETMR received PT in our institution and were enrolled in the prospective registry study KiProReg. Patient characteristics, treatment and outcome according to standardized follow-up data were descriptively analyzed by summarizing frequencies due to small sample size. RESULTS: Median age at PT was 3.0 years (range, 1.6-4.0 years). Three patients presented with metastatic disease (M1 n=1; M2 n=1; M2/3 n=1). Eight patients were treated with salvage PT at tumor progression or recurrence. Residual disease was present in three patients at start of PT. Tumor site was infratentorial (n=3) or supratentorial (n=12). All patients received Chemotherapy (CTX) prior to PT including high dose CTX (n=9) and intrathecal CTX (n=3). Concomitant CTX with temozolomide was administered in one patient. Patients received local PT (n=8) or craniospinal irradiation (CSI) followed by a local boost (n=7). Median dose was 54.0 Gy(RBE) (range, 3.6 -59.4 Gy(RBE)). PT was terminated prematurely in one patient due to cerebral edema and disease progression. Median follow-up after diagnosis was 16.3 months (range, 6.6-65.7 months) and 5.1 months (range, 0-62.4 months) after PT. Four patients treated for salvage experienced disease progression within three months after PT, three of them deceased. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results suggest promising outcomes for childhood ETMR after PT, especially in patients treated at initial diagnosis. Longer follow-up and larger cohorts are desirable to assess long-term survival and necessity of CSI.

Definitive treatment of Graves' disease in children

Hyperthyreoidism due to Graves' disease is a rare disorder in pediatric practice. There is 2 treatment options in Graves' disease: medical treatment and definitive treatment, including surgery and radioactive iodine. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. If medical therapy is ineffective the choice between radical treatment method is raised: radioactive iodine or total thyroidectomy. In this research we analyze treatment outcomes in pediatric Graves' disease patients after different radical treatment methods. Comparative analysis of radical treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with Graves' disease. Retrospective and prospective one-center research of 122 patients with Graves' disease after radical treatment (between 2016 and 2021)RESULTS:The mean age was 13.5±3,5 year at the moment of examination. Patients were divided into 2 groups due to the radical treatments method: 1 group (n=60) were children after surgical treatment, 2 group (n=62) - after radioactive iodine. The mean dose of medical treatment in these groups did not reliably differ (p=0,06), duration of the medical treatment was reliably longer in patients after radioactive iodine (p=0,024). Graves' orbitopathy was diagnosed in 58 patients (47,5%) and met equally often in both groups, but active stage of Graves' orbitopathy was diagnosed only in patients from the 1stgroup. Thyroid size was reliable bigger in patients from the 1stgroup (p=0,004), and thyroid gland nodes were diagnosed only in patients from 1stgroup (p=0,0007). RI can be considered an effective and safe treatment for GD. The effectiveness of RI depends on the volume of the thyroid gland; according to the results of the constructed ROC curve, the risk of repeated RI is higher with a volume of more than 55 cm3. Also radioactive iodine is undesirable if there is signs of ophatalmopathy due to its possible deterioration. According to the results of the study hypoparathyroidism after surgical treatment was diagnosed in 20%, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was diagnosed after surgical treatment in 5% of patients. In patients with identified nodular goiter according to the results of ultrasound, surgical treatment is preferable due to the impossibility of excluding thyroid cancer.

Hodgkin's lymphoma in children and adolescents in Belarus Republic: 23-year survival rate of 606 pediatric patients

The article presents an analysis of treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in the Republic of Belarus over more than a 20-year period. Patients aged 0 to 18 years with HL received therapy according to the DALHD-90(m) protocol. Therapy modifications involved the use of systemic chemotherapy according to the OPPA regimen (vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone and doxorubicin) for patients of both sexes and dose-reduced involved-field radiotherapy (20 Gy) for patients with early or intermediate stage HL. The aim of our study was to analyze the survival and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with HL. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus. The analysis included 606 patients with HL, who had received treatment at the Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology from January 1, 1998 until December 31, 2020. The median age was 15.3 years. At 23 years, the event-free survival of the study patients was 85 ± 2%, the overall survival was 93 ± 1%, and the cumulative recurrence rate was 10 ± 1.3%. The long-term treatment results of pediatric patients with HL in the Republic of Belarus indicate that the protocol therapy is highly effective and can achieve outcomes that are equivalent to those in countries with a developed healthcare system. The applied therapeutic strategy demonstrates clinical efficacy in stage I–III HL. About 15% of patients with advanced HL (stage IV) constitute the main target group for which a search for new treatment approaches improving treatment outcomes is required.

Extrapolation of Efficacy and Dose Selection in Pediatrics: A Case Example of Atypical Antipsychotics in Adolescents With Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder.

Pediatric labeling information for novel atypical antipsychotics can be significantly delayed as the result of time lag between initial drug approval in adults and the completion of pediatric clinical trials. This delay can lead health care providers to rely on limited evidence-based literature to make critical therapeutic decisions for pediatric patients. Effective and scientifically justified dosing recommendations are needed to improve treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Extrapolation-based drug development strategies rely on leveraging prior data to reduce evidentiary requirements for newer data in establishing drug efficacy. On January 13, 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a general advice letter to sponsors highlighting the acceptance of extrapolating efficacy of atypical antipsychotics to pediatric patients. This review provides insight into the FDA's justification for extrapolating efficacy from adult to pediatric patients and provides a rationale for dose selection in pediatric patients with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

The spectrum of pediatric scarring alopecia: A retrospective review of 27 patients seen at Mayo Clinic.

There are few studies examining pediatric scarring alopecia. The objective of this study is to characterize the clinicopathologic findings, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with scarring alopecia. Retrospective review of patients under age 18 diagnosed with scarring alopecia at Mayo Clinic from 01/01/1992 through 02/05/2019. 27 patients met inclusion criteria with a mean age of 11.2years and a racial breakdown of 85.2% (23) White, 11.1% (3) Black, and 3.7% (1) Multiracial. Clinical scarring was noted in most (23, 85.2%). Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in most (24, 88.9%). The most common diagnoses were folliculitis decalvans (6, 22.2%), lichen planopilaris (6, 22.2%), aplasia cutis congenita (4, 14.8%), tinea capitis (4, 14.8%), and morphea (3, 11.1%). Comorbid depression (6, 22.2%) and anxiety (6, 22.2%) were prevalent. Of the patients who received follow-up, most who pursued treatment achieved stabilization (55.5%) or slowing of progression (27.8%), with 44.4% of those treated experiencing regrowth. Mean time to stabilization in the treated population was 19.6months. Two patients did not pursue treatment, but received follow-up and these untreated patients did not experience hair regrowth. Most patients presented with clinically evident primary scarring alopecia. Biopsy may confirm the diagnosis. Active treatment should be pursued, and successful treatment often requires combination therapies. Time to stabilization often takes years. Screening for depression and anxiety should be pursued.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients with postencephalitic epilepsy characterized by epileptic spasms

PurposeViral encephalitis (VE) or bacterial meningoencephalitis (BME) in early childhood may cause brain injury and neurological sequelae, including epilepsy. Postencephalitic epilepsy (PEE) characterized by epileptic spasms (ES) is a rare but serious condition; there is an urgent need to develop new methods to evaluate the characteristics of these children and select appropriate treatments. MethodsWe conducted an observational study of 20 patients (11 males, 9 females) who experienced ES after VE or BME at the Chinese PLA General Hospital. Patients were followed up for over 12 months, and outcomes were analyzed. ResultsThe median ages at the onset of encephalitis and ES were 5.5 and 11.5 months, respectively. The median age at follow-up was 35.5 months. Sixteen (80 %) patients developed drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), including all 12 patients with VE and 4 of 8 patients with BME. Epileptiform discharges were detected on electroencephalography, including 15 patients with hypsarrhythmia and 5 without. Fifteen of the patients were treated with a 14-day intravenous infusion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at a dose 2.5 U/kg (≤25 U); 12 showed a short-term response but 10 experienced recurrence. Three patients received vigabatrin, and none of these patients responded to treatment. Six patients started a ketogenic diet (KD); five failed to respond and the outcome was not known in one. Four patients were treated by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and all showed a partial response. ConclusionChildren with PEE characterized by ES are more likely to develop DRE. The prognosis was worse for patients with VE compared to those with BME. Clarifying the efficacies of treatments involving ACTH (low-dose), KD, vigabatrin, and VNS will require further investigation.

Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA) for Pediatric Epilepsy: A Single-Center Experience of 23 Consecutive Cases.

Robotic assisted neurosurgery has become increasingly utilized for its high degree of precision and minimally invasive approach. Robotic stereotactic assistance (ROSA®) for neurosurgery has been infrequently reported in the pediatric population. The goal of this case series was to describe the clinical experience, anesthetic and operative management, and treatment outcomes for pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy undergoing ROSA® neurosurgery at a single-center institution. Patients who underwent implantation of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) leads for intractable epilepsy with ROSA® were retrospectively evaluated between August 2016 and June 2018. Demographics, perioperative management details, complications, and preliminary seizure outcomes after resective or ablative surgery were reviewed. Nineteen children who underwent 23 ROSA® procedures for SEEG implantation were included in the study. Mean operative time was 148 min. Eleven patients had subsequent resective or ablative surgery, and ROSA® was used to assist with laser probe insertion in five patients for seizure foci ablation. In total, 148 SEEG electrodes were placed without any perioperative complications. ROSA® is minimally invasive, provides superior accuracy for electrode placement, and requires less time than traditional surgical approaches for brain mapping. This emerging technology may improve the perioperative outcomes for pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy since large craniotomies are avoided; however, long-term follow-up studies are needed.

Clinical features and long-term outcomes of pediatric spinal cord cavernous malformation-a report of 18 cases and literature review.

Pediatric intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformation (ISCM) is a rare vascular disease with unclear natural history and long-term outcomes. We aim to determine the demographics, hemorrhagic risk, and long-term outcomes of this rare entity. A retrospective review of clinical data and treatment outcomes of pediatric patients treated with ISCM in our institution from 3/2000 to 3/2017 was conducted. In addition, we performed a systematic review of the literature on pediatric ISCM. Eighteen consecutive pediatric patients were included, with an average age of 12.9 ± 4.7years (range: 4-18years) and 66.7% being male. Locations were equally distributed in cervical and thoracic segments, with mean extension of 1.3 ± 0.7 segments. Clinical manifestation included extremity weakness (n = 15, 83.3%), pain (n = 10, 55.6%), sensory disorders (n = 8, 44.4%), sphincter disturbance (n = 6, 33.3%), muscular atrophy (n = 3, 16.7%), and spinal deformity (n = 1, 5.6%). Most patients presented with acute symptoms (n = 11, 61.1%), and 7 (38.9%) of them had severe neurological deficits. The annual retrospective hemorrhagic risk was 7.7 per patient-year. Two patients received conservative management, with one improved neurologically and the other remained unchanged. Total resection was achieved in 12 (75%) of the 16 surgical cases, with 8 patients (50%) improved their clinical outcomes, 7 patients (43.8%) remained unchanged, and 1 (6.3%) worsened. During follow-up, one patient had relapse of ISCM. Pediatric ISCM appears to have higher hemorrhage risk than their adult counterparts, and they can benefit from surgery whether in the acute phase of neurological deterioration or after clinical recuperation.

Treatment Strategies and Related Outcomes for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to assess the available evidence in the literature regarding treatment outcomes for pediatric patients with brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) with the aim of providing practice guidelines for treatment decisions and highlighting research areas that need attention. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Keyword searches for studies published from January 1, 1981, to April 16, 2018, were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. Predefined inclusion criteria were used to identify studies. Poisson regression analysis for associations between patient and bAVM characteristics and treatment outcomes. RESULTS. We identified 34 articles comprising 2158 children with bAVM who underwent treatment or observation. The mean age of the study cohort was 12.0 ± 1.6 (SD) years, and 48.1% of the patients were female; 64.3% of bAVMs were hemorrhagic at presentation. The mean follow-up was 50.6 ± 32.3 months. Overall, the meta-analysis of pooled data showed an obliteration rate of 69.8% (95% CI, 62.9-75.9%), recurrence rate of 2.2% (95% CI, 1.1-4.3%), and mortality rate of 2.4%. The pooled complication rate was 22.5% (95% CI, 15.7-31.1%) after surgery, 26.4% (95% CI, 15.2-41.9%) after embolization, and 27.1% (95% CI, 18.1-38.4%) after radiosurgery. Mortality was not associated with age, sex, or hemorrhage; however, recurrence after treatment was inversely associated with age. Complication and mortality rates were reduced for multimodal treatments. For patients with bAVM treated with observation only, complication and mortality rates were 35.9% and 23.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION. Multimodality treatments for pediatric bAVM had lower mortality and complication rates than individual treatments. However, there is a lack of evidence for long-term outcomes. The mortality rate was highest in conservatively managed patients (i.e., observation only). Further research directly comparing different treatment modalities for recurrence and complications is warranted. Gathering data prospectively through multiinstitutional registries will be key to provide strong evidence.