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Journal of Neuro-Oncology

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Open Access 01-03-2019 | Astrocytoma | Clinical Study

Clinical characteristics, long-term complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and young adults treated for low-grade astrocytoma in the posterior fossa in childhood

Authors: Ingela Kristiansen, Margareta Strinnholm, Bo Strömberg, Per Frisk

Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Introduction

Pilocytic astrocytoma is the most common brain tumour in childhood but knowledge concerning its long-term outcome is sparse. The aim of the study was to investigate if children treated for low-grade pilocytic astrocytoma in the posterior fossa had complications affecting physical and psychological health, cognitive functions, learning difficulties and HRQoL.

Methods

A descriptive single-centre study, where 22 children and young adults out of 27 eligible patients (81%) treated for pilocytic astrocytoma, with a mean follow-up time of 12.4 years (5–19 years) participated (14 adults, two by telephone interviews and eight children). The study included a review of medical records, an interview, neurological investigation, screening tools for psychiatric symptoms (Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories and Beck Youth Inventory Scales) and HRQoL measures (RAND-36).

Results

Motor complications were most common, reported in 12 patients and mainly affecting fine-motor skills. Seven patients reported cognitive difficulties affecting performance in school. Educational support was given in the period immediately after treatment but not after primary school. None had elevated levels of psychiatric symptoms and the level of HRQoL as well as their psychosocial and educational situation was in correspondence with Swedish norms. The HRQoL score for vitality (VT) almost reached statistical significance.

Conclusions

The long-term functional outcome for children treated for low-grade astrocytoma is favourable. However, some patients report neurological complications and learning difficulties, which are unmet in school. Therefore, there is a need to identify those who need more thorough medical and cognitive follow-up programmes including interventions in school.

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Title: Clinical characteristics, long-term complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and young adults treated for low-grade astrocytoma in the posterior fossa in childhood
Authors: Ingela Kristiansen
Margareta Strinnholm
Bo Strömberg
Per Frisk
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Astrocytoma
Astrocytoma
Astrocytoma
Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0167-594X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7373
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-018-03085-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Clinical characteristics, long-term complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and young adults treated for low-grade astrocytoma in the posterior fossa in childhood

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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