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[Pediatric intensive care after brain tumor surgery]
M Fernández de Sevilla Estrach1, F J Cambra Lasaosa, S Segura Matute
1Servicio de UCI Pediátrica, Agrupació Sanitària Sant Joan de Déu-Clínic, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, España. mariafernandez@hsjdbcn.org
Insights
Pediatric brain tumor surgery patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU-P) show similar epidemiology to the general population. Diabetes insipidus was the most frequent postoperative complication in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Pediatric oncology
- Pediatric intensive care
Context:
- Primary brain tumors are the most common pediatric solid tumors.
- Surgery is a cornerstone of treatment for pediatric brain tumors.
- Postoperative care in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU-P) is crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate the epidemiology of pediatric brain tumors in patients admitted to the ICU-P.
- To analyze the postoperative course of children treated for brain tumors.
Summary:
- A retrospective-prospective study reviewed 161 postoperative periods in 134 pediatric patients (mean age 7 years 8 months) between 1998-2007.
- Posterior fossa tumors (44.8%) and low/intermediate astrocytomas (44.7%) were most common. Complete resection occurred in 58.4% of cases.
- Diabetes insipidus (9.9%) was the most frequent complication. Median ICU-P stay was 2 days, with 3 deaths.
Impact:
- Findings suggest pediatric brain tumor epidemiology in the ICU-P mirrors general population trends.
- Highlights diabetes insipidus as a key postoperative complication requiring vigilant management.
- Provides data on surgical outcomes and intensive care needs for pediatric brain tumor patients.
Introduction:
Primary brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children. Surgery is the basis of treatment for these patients, who require postoperative admission to the ICU-P. The aim of this study was to at the epidemiology of brain tumors of patients admitted to our ICU-P and to analyze the progress of these children in the postoperative period.
Patients And Methods:
Retrospective-prospective study of children admitted to our unit after brain tumor surgery between January 1998 and January 2007. We collected information such as, personal details, clinical characteristics, type of intervention and postoperative period.
Results:
We reviewed 161 postoperative periods, corresponding to 134 patients (54.5% male). The mean age was 7 years and 8 months +/- 5 months. The most common location was the posterior fossa (44.8%). The most common histological type was low grade/intermediate astrocytoma (44.7%). The most frequent complication was diabetes insipidus (9.9%). Resection was complete in 58.4% patients. The median stay in the ICU-P was 2 days (0-61 days). 3 patients died after surgery.
Conclusions:
The epidemiology of the group of patients admitted to our ICU-P is similar to the general population. The most common complication is diabetes insipidus.
