Clinical presentation and outcome of epidemic Kaposi sarcoma in Ugandan children

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An In Vitro Model for Studying Cellular Transformation by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus
09:53

An In Vitro Model for Studying Cellular Transformation by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus

Published on: August 25, 2017

Soren Gantt1, Abel Kakuru, Anna Wald

  • 1Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA. sgantt@uw.edu

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|March 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Epidemic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in children in Uganda often presents with lymph node involvement, occurring at younger ages and higher CD4 counts. Most children responded well to treatment, highlighting the need for further research into optimal management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a prevalent pediatric cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Limited data exist on the clinical presentation and treatment response of epidemic (HIV-associated) KS in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical characteristics of epidemic KS in children in Uganda.
  • To evaluate treatment response in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records of children with KS and HIV infection at Uganda Cancer Institute (2004-2007).
  • Data abstracted included demographics, KS lesion location, CD4 T-cell counts, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 73 children with epidemic KS were identified; 60% presented with lymph node (LN) involvement.
  • Children with lymphadenopathic KS were younger and had higher CD4 T-cell counts compared to those without LN involvement.
  • A complete response to chemotherapy and/or antiretroviral therapy was observed in 62.5% of patients with available outcome data.

Conclusions:

  • Lymph node involvement in epidemic KS in children occurs at younger ages and higher CD4 levels compared to cutaneous involvement.
  • This presentation may suggest recent human herpesvirus 8 infection with rapid progression.
  • Favorable treatment responses were noted, but prospective studies are needed for optimal management.
Abstract

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