Pediatric oncologic emergencies

Melanie K Prusakowski; Daniel Cannone

doi:10.1016/j.emc.2014.04.005

Pediatric oncologic emergencies

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2014 Aug;32(3):527-48. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2014.04.005. Epub 2014 Jun 11.

Authors

Melanie K Prusakowski¹, Daniel Cannone²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 1906 Belleview Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA. Electronic address: mkprusakowski@carilionclinic.org.
² Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 1906 Belleview Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA.

PMID: 25060248
DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2014.04.005

Abstract

The overall prognosis for most pediatric cancers is good. Mortality for all childhood cancers combined is approximately half what it was in 1975, and the survival rates of many malignancies continue to improve. However, the incidence of childhood cancer is significant and the related emergencies that develop acutely carry significant morbidity and mortality. Emergency providers who can identify and manage oncologic emergencies can contribute significantly to an improved prognosis. Effective care of pediatric malignancies requires an age-appropriate approach to patients and compassionate understanding of family dynamics.

Keywords: Emergency; Oncology; Pediatrics; Prognosis.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child
Emergencies
Humans
Neoplasms / complications*
Neoplasms / diagnosis*
Neoplasms / therapy
Paraneoplastic Syndromes / diagnosis*
Paraneoplastic Syndromes / therapy
Pediatrics / methods*