Supportive care of immunocompromised pediatric patients

The current literature in supportive care of the immunocompromised patient has shown a trend toward change in, perhaps reflecting, at least in the American literature, the national emphasis on health delivery, access, and quality of life issues. This review reflects that shift. Considerable attention is given to psychosocial issues, accessibility to care at special pediatric cancer centers, and the special problems of the adolescent. In keeping with this shift in national interest, several reports deal with the prophylaxis of infection as opposed to the treatment of established disease and the strategy of avoiding chemotherapy-related late effects in children with curable disease.