Risk factors and treatment for steroid‐related mood and behavior symptoms in preschool children with leukemia: A case series

Treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relies on systemic corticosteroids for remission; however, they can cause significant mood and behavior changes that interfere with quality of life and may increase risk for injury. This case series reports on preschool children with preexisting developmental and psychiatric risk factors who presented with behavioral side effects that required intervention. Identification of these vulnerable children may provide opportunities for early intervention, anticipatory guidance, and effective treatment to minimize behavioral side effects and improve quality of life and safety during ALL treatment.     

大剂量甲氨喋呤治疗小儿急性白血病时两种水化、碱化方法的比较

目的 进一步降低大剂量甲氨喋呤(HD-MTX)治疗小儿急性淋巴细胞白血病(ALL)时的毒副作用。方法 通过在HD-MTX治疗时应用两种不同的水化、碱化方法,观察其尿酸碱反应(pH值)、MTX的血清浓度、治疗效果及毒副作用的发生率。结果 (1)尿pH值的检测结果:A组共检测456例次,其中pH值<7为28例次,检出率为6.14％。B组共检测672例次,其中pH值<7为18例次,检出率为2.68％。两组相比较有显著性差异(X2=8.323,P<0.01)。(2)≥Ⅲ级毒副作用的发生率:A组:19例患儿共30例次,占29.7％。B组:28例患儿共16例次,占14.29％。两组相比较有显著性差异(X2=7.445,P<0.01)。(3)两组在用HD-MTX开始后44 h、68 h时MTX浓度异常者分别为7例次、5例次和5例次、2例次,两者相比较有差异(X244h=4.165,X268h=5.245,P<0.05)。(4)两组结果:A组:随访13-24个月,平均18.54±3.28月,13例(68.42％)处于完全缓解中且无髓处白血病的发生,复发4例,死亡1例,失访1例。B组:随访13-25个月,平均19.05±3.40月,22例(78.57％)处于完全缓解中且无髓外白血病的发生,失访1例,复发4例,1例因BUN升高改用HD-Ara-C。两组比较无显著性差异(X2=0.613,P<0.01)。结论 B组碱化、水化方法优于A组方法。     

Tacrolimus induced subacute cerebellar ataxia.

Tacrolimus is a macrolide immunosuppressant that is widely used in transplant surgery. Both mild and major neurologic side effects have been reported in patients receiving tacrolimus. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is one of the major tacrolimus induced neurologic side effects. We report a case of a tacrolimus induced isolated lesion of the cerebellum with no supratentorial involvement, presenting as a subacute cerebellar ataxia, which was partially reversible upon discontinuing the tacrolimus.     

125I粒子植入术在儿童头颈部横纹肌肉瘤的临床应用

目的：评价125I粒子植入术对儿童头颈部横纹肌肉瘤（RMS）的疗效及副作用。方法：以8例(男4例,女4例）头颈部RMS患儿的原发病灶为目标靶区植入125I放射性粒子,其中原发部位为眼睑及眼2例,眼眶4例,鼻腔及鼻翼2例。观察125I粒子植入术对病灶治疗的有效性及副作用。结果：8例患儿平均随访时间为45±17个月,中位随访时间为43个月,病情达到完全缓解5例,部分缓解2例,死亡1例,总生存率为88%（7/8）。植入术后8例（100%）患儿均出现局部色素沉着,其中1例出现角膜混浊,1例出现眼球胀痛,1例出现视力模糊加重,1例出现视力丧失,1例出现鼻腔黏膜破溃出血。除1例角膜混浊及1例视力丧失外,余6例相关副作用经过治疗均好转。结论：125I放射性粒子植入术治疗儿童头颈部RMS治疗价值肯定,虽存在局部副作用,但经对症治疗可缓解。     

Kidney loss due to periureteral fibrosis and ureteral obstruction secondary to migration of subureterically injected calcium hydroxylapatite

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the significant urologic diseases of childhood and its endoscopic treatment is a viable option in terms of both simplicity and reduced morbidity. However, despite intensive research, no ideal injection material that yields the best long-term results with the least side effects has been introduced as yet. Synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite is one of the materials that has recently been under trial. Although favorable short-term success rates have been reported with the subureteric injection of calcium hydroxylapatite without any side effects, this case report shows its potential to migrate. To our knowledge, we present the first case where the migration of subureterically injected calcium hydroxylapatite resulted in periureteral fibrosis, ureteric obstruction and subsequent renal loss.     

Vincristine,an efficacious alternative for diffuse neonatal haemangiomatosis

Diffuse neonatal haemangiomatosis (DNH) is an uncommon condition characterized by multiple cutaneous and visceral haemangiomas frequently causing severe complications. Corticosteroids constitute the first therapeutic line; however, when they fail, other alternatives are available, provided possible side effects are closely monitored during and after treatment. We present a case of life‐threatening DNH, non‐responsive to corticosteroids, successfully treated with Vincristine with minor side effects. We conclude that Vincristine is a valid alternative in corticosteroid‐resistant DNH.     

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in childhood: A case report

A case report is presented of a 15-year-old girl with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). She was referred to hospital because of left upper limb pain. Her left upper limb was cold, edematous and blue with a limited active range of movement. The serum concentration of noradrenaline was lower on the painful side than on the healthy side, and neurotropin, which has an antinociceptive effect to hyperalgesia, was clearly effective. Early diagnosis and management is essential in the treatment of RSD and administration of neurotropin is a useful and non-invasive treatment without severe adverse effects.     

Acute transient encephalopathy following paclitaxel treatment in an adolescent with a recurrent suprasellar germinoma

Paclitaxel is an antineoplastic agent that is used in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. Dose-limiting side effects of myelosuppression and peripheral neuropathy are well known. Paclitaxel has minimal penetration of the blood-brain barrier and central nervous system side effects are rare. However, transient encephalopathy following paclitaxel infusion has been described in adults but not in children. We present the case of a 14-year-old female with a recurrent suprasellar germinoma who developed an acute encephalopathy 4-6 hr following paclitaxel infusion.     

Polyoma virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after renal transplantation: regression following withdrawal of mycophenolate mofetil

The 2008-released FDA safety report described a potential association between use of MMF and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. We here report the case of an 11-yr-old kidney transplanted boy suffering from PML who showed rapid improvement parallel to withdrawal of MMF. This case contributes to the increasing knowledge on side effects of MMF treatment in children.     

Accidental ingestion of 'Ecstasy' (3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine).

There is no report of the effects of 'Ecstasy' (3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine) poisoning in childhood. The case of a 13 month old boy who ingested one capsule of Ecstasy is reported. Neurological and cardiovascular side effects predominated, which responded well to treatment with a chlormethiazole infusion.     

Topical diphenhydramine toxicity in a five year old with varicella

The toxic effects of oral diphenhydramine are well documented and include central nervous system and anticholinergic symptomatology. We present a case of diphenhydramine intoxication from combined oral/percutaneous medication. Overzealous application of a commercially available topical diphenhydramine preparation resulted in hallucinations and other side effects in a five-year-old child with varicella.     

Takayasu's disease: interest in methotrexate treatment]

Takayasu's disease is a nonspecific aortic arteritis that affects mostly young women and sometimes children. Usual treatment consists of early and prolonged steroids. Some patients do not respond to this treatment, become steroid-dependent or suffer from side effects. We report a case in which methotrexate proved to be effective. CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old girl presented with Takayasu's disease with elevated blood pressure of renovascular origin. Corticosteroids controlled the inflammatory syndrome but not the renal involvement and stopped the growth. Methotrexate (10 mg/m2/week) resulted in the control of the disease, the reduction of steroids and normal growth. CONCLUSION: In Takayasu's disease, steroids should be given as first-line therapy. In case of failure, side effects or steroid dependency, small doses of methotrexate may facilitate the disease's control and weaning from the steroids.     

Side effects and complications of measles-mumps vaccination

Within three years we have observed three patients with parotitis after measles-mumps-vaccination, one child with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, one with meningitis, and one patient with a preexisting severe cerebral damage died of central vasomotor and breath regulation dysfunction 20 days after the vaccination. Their case histories are described here, and the literature dealing with this question is reviewed. The following incidences of side effects may have to be accepted: "vaccination measles" (fever, rash, conjunctivitis, coughing) 5%, parotid swelling 1%. Furthermore, there are reports and observations on 38 patients who have developed ITP after vaccination, and on 8 other children who developed meningitis. From their lumbar liquor, mumps- or vaccine mumps viruses have been cultured. There are, as yet, no markers that would permit a typing of these viruses. Parents will have to be informed of these possible side effects and observations. In addition to that further information is not necessary on other very rare observations with as yet not established causal relationship with the vaccination. The measles-mumps-vaccination correctly is regarded as to be of low risk. Its usefulness is apparent when the frequency of side effects discussed here is compared to the incidence of grave complications of wild measles and mumps infections.     

Amiodaronassoziierte Hepatopathie und Pankreatis

Case report. We report a case of a 4 years old girl with ectop atrial tachycardia who developed an acute pancreatitis and hepatopathy during amiodarone therapy. Conclusion. With this case we want point out that these side effects are possible during amiodarone therapy of children.     

Fatal hypermagnesemia in a child treated with megavitamin/megamineral therapy

We report a case of fatal hypermagnesemia resulting from the unsupervised use of high doses of magnesium oxide administered as part of a regimen of megavitamin and megamineral therapy to a child with mental retardation, spastic quadriplegia, and seizures. The treatment regimen was given at the recommendation of a dietician working as a private nutritional consultant without the involvement or notification of the child's pediatrician. Hypermagnesemia is an uncommon but serious side effect of the use of magnesium containing compounds. These compounds are widely used as laxatives and dietary supplements, and serious side effects are uncommon when used in appropriate dosages and with adequate supervision. The use of alternative medical therapies, including megavitamin/megamineral therapy, is widespread. Many patients use alternative medicine or seek care from alternative medicine practitioners without the recommendation or knowledge of their primary physicians. Despite unproved benefit, many alternative therapies may be safe. However, unsupervised use of generally safe treatments can result in serious side effects. This case report serves to illustrate the characteristic pathophysiologic changes of severe hypermagnesemia, an entity rarely seen in pediatric practice, and more importantly, it alerts primary care and subspecialty pediatricians to be aware of and monitor the use of alternative medical therapies in their patients.     

Congenital Methemoglobinemia Type II—Clinical Improvement with Short‐Term Methylene Blue Treatment

We report a case of prophylactic management with methylene blue (MB) in an almost 4‐year‐old male with congenital methemoglobinemia type II. He has a CYB5R3 compound heterozygote mutation, causing a cytochrome‐b(5) reductase deficiency. Since the MB treatment regimen has commenced, his methemoglobin level has been significantly lower. He has shown modest behavioral improvements (as assessed on the Achenbach behavior report scales). There have been no iatrogenic side effects. These findings are encouraging for symptomatic improvement with regular prophylactic MB treatment but represent a single case report, which must be interpreted with caution.     

Centipede ingestion by a six-month-old infant: toxic side effects.

Centipedes are a common household arthropod whose bite usually causes only local reactions. Ingestion of centipedes has not been previously reported. This article reports the case of a six-month-old infant who ingested a centipede of the Scutigera morpha species and had systemic side effects probably due to systemic absorption of its venom. The child recovered spontaneously after 48 hours. This case illustrates that toxic effects may be noted after ingestion of arthropods and that in this type of centipede no active intervention may be necessary.     

Acute renal failure during ATRA treatment

All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), which is used in acute promyelocytic leukemia, is usually well tolerated, but some side effects can be observed. Retinoic acid syndrome is the most severe side effect. Triazole derivatives such as fluconazole inhibit the NADPH-dependent cytochrome P-450-mediated catabolism of ATRA and are increased plasma levels of ATRA. Here, the authors report a case of APL who developed acute renal failure during ATRA and concurrent use of fluconazole.     

Childhood methanol ingestion treated with fomepizole and hemodialysis

Fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole; Antizol) is used increasingly in the treatment of methanol toxicity in adults. Little experience exists with this drug in the pediatric population, however. We present a case of methanol poisoning in a child in whom the use of fomepizole averted intravenous ethanol infusion and the attendant side effects of this therapy.     

Overdose of vinblastine in a child with Langerhans' cell histiocytosis: toxicity and salvage therapy

The therapeutic index of antineoplastic agents is generally low, therefore, errors in administration can cause severe, life-threatening toxicity. The publication of cases of overdoses may provide useful information on the causes of the mistakes, on drug-induced toxic effects, and on salvage therapy. We report a case of vinblastine overdose in a child affected by Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, Hand-Schüller-Christian syndrome according with the previous classification of histiocytosis X. To our knowledge this is the highest dose of vinblastine ever administered. The child was given salvage therapy with steroids and citrovorum factor. Major side effects were neurologic toxicity (seizures, coma) and marrow aplasia, which improved and gradually resolved beginning day 12.