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Treatment Response in Pediatric Patients With Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome
Eliel Tovia1, Shimon Reif, Asaf Oren
1Pediatrics Department (ET, SR, AO) and Pediatric Neurology Unit (AM, AFV), Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Insights
Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) in children often resolves with acetazolamide. However, younger patients with PTCS face higher risks of treatment failure and relapse, necessitating closer monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure without a space-occupying lesion.
- This condition affects children and requires effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze treatment outcomes in pediatric patients diagnosed with PTCS.
- To identify factors influencing treatment success and relapse rates in children with PTCS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 60 pediatric patients treated for PTCS between 2000 and 2007.
- Analysis of patient demographics, treatment responses (acetazolamide, surgery), and relapse occurrences.
Main Results:
- Acetazolamide therapy was effective in 76.6% of pediatric patients, leading to symptom resolution.
- Younger age at presentation (8.7 years) was associated with a lack of response to acetazolamide.
- Relapse occurred in 26% of patients, with younger patients (8.9 years) being significantly more prone to relapse.
Conclusions:
- Younger age is a significant risk factor for treatment failure and relapse in pediatric Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome.
- Early identification and tailored management approaches are crucial for improving outcomes in young PTCS patients.
Background:
Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is a disorder defined by increased intracranial pressure in the absence of an intracranial space-occupying lesion. This retrospective study aimed to examine the outcomes in children with PTCS.
Methods:
Data was collected retrospectively from the charts of consecutive pediatric patients treated for PTCS at our hospital between 2000 and 2007 (60 patients; 36 females, 24 males).
Results:
Forty-six patients (76.6%) responded well to acetazolamide therapy, with full resolution of symptoms, including papilledema (average treatment duration 1 year; range: 1 month-5 years). Of the 14 patients with no response to treatment, 9 (23.4%) required surgical intervention. Nonresponders tended to be younger at presentation (8.7 vs 11.5 years, P = 0.04). Twelve patients (26%) experienced relapse after acetazolamide was discontinued. The group that experienced relapse was significantly younger than the nonrelapsers (8.9 vs 12.1 years, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Younger age at presentation with PTCS was found to be a risk factor for treatment failure or relapse.
