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Pediatric Surgery International

Published in:

01-08-2009 | Original Article

Malignant solid tumour, HIV infection and tuberculosis in children: an unholy triad

Authors: G. P. Hadley, F. Naude

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 8/2009

Abstract

Introduction

Co-morbidities introduce confounding variables into investigational protocols and complicate both diagnosis and management of children with malignant solid tumours. Such patients who are coincidentally HIV infected and who also have pulmonary or abdominal tuberculosis pose a particular challenge.

Aim

The purpose of this report is to describe the diagnostic and management difficulties encountered in a small cadre of 18 HIV-infected children with solid tumours presenting to the Department of Paediatric Surgery.

Method

A retrospective descriptive study of HIV-infected children with malignant solid tumours.

Results

18 HIV-infected children were identified with a variety of primary tumours. 11 children had confirmed pulmonary or abdominal tuberculosis and in 4 the diagnosis was suspected. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used when possible to provide a window of opportunity to investigate co-morbidity and improve health status, inter alia, improving the patients’ nutritional status. FDG-PET scanning proved unreliable in discriminating between malignant and inflammatory pathology. Overall survival was 33%.

Conclusion

The coincidence of malignancy, HIV infection and tuberculosis carries a high mortality independent of the primary tumour type.

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Title: Malignant solid tumour, HIV infection and tuberculosis in children: an unholy triad
Authors: G. P. Hadley
F. Naude
Publication date: 01-08-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 8/2009
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-009-2409-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Malignant solid tumour, HIV infection and tuberculosis in children: an unholy triad

Abstract

Introduction

Aim

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Aim

Method

Results

Conclusion

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