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Respiratory symptoms in children dying from malignant disease
R D Hain1, N Patel, S Crabtree
1Department of Paediatrics, Royal Marsden Hospital, Surrey, UK.
Insights
Respiratory symptoms affect 40% of children with cancer nearing end-of-life. This study reviews paediatric cancer cases to understand these common respiratory issues in children with malignant disease.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Paediatric Oncology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Respiratory symptoms are common in terminally ill adults.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests fewer respiratory issues in children with cancer.
- The prevalence in paediatric oncology is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of respiratory symptoms in children with cancer.
- To describe the nature of respiratory symptoms in this population.
- To inform symptom management in paediatric palliative care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of paediatric cancer patients.
- Data collected from the symptom care team at Royal Marsden Hospital (1982-1993).
- Analysis of case histories from the last three months of life.
Main Results:
- Respiratory symptoms were recorded in 40% of analysable case histories.
- This indicates a significant, though perhaps lower than adult, prevalence.
- The specific types of respiratory symptoms are discussed within the study.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory symptoms are a notable concern in children with terminal cancer.
- Findings highlight the need for focused symptom management strategies.
- Further research may be warranted to explore underlying causes and interventions.
Abstract:
Shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms frequently complicate the symptomatic management of terminally ill adults. The extent of the problem in children is not known, but anecdotal evidence from nurses and physicians experienced in paediatric oncology has suggested that respiratory problems are less frequent in children dying from malignant disease than in adults. This is a retrospective review of all children dying from cancer under the care of the symptom care team at the Royal Marsden Hospital between 1982 and 1993. The results show that respiratory symptoms were recorded during the last three months of life in 40% of analysable case histories. The nature of respiratory symptoms in paediatric cancer patients is discussed.