scholarly journals Delayed Diagnosis of Childhood Brain Tumors in Kenyatta National Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
John TT ◽  
Mwang’ombe NJ ◽  
Akuku PO

Background: Brain tumors are the second commonest tumors after leukemia and the most common solid tumors in children. Childhood brain tumors are the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Delayed diagnosis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no specific studies on this subject in Kenya.

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii384-iii385
Author(s):  
Beth Armstrong ◽  
Mark Mbiro ◽  
Michael Magoha ◽  
Minda Okemwa ◽  
Nimrod Mwang’ombe ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading solid tumors in the United States, but vastly under-reported in the African population. There’s limited data on childhood brain tumors as well as the histopathological distribution in Kenya. This report surveys as an initial site visit to determine the feasibility of a comprehensive neuro-oncology program at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, Kenya. DESIGN: This collaboration began with a visit from the director of neuropathology at KNH to our neuro-Oncology program at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health in May 2019. This report includes recommendations from the May 2019 trip, as well as a reciprocal site visit to Kenya in January 2020. RESULTS Building off the May 2019 trip, a brain tumor registry has been initiated and maintained. Additionally, the KNH program has many necessary components to forming a comprehensive neuro-oncology program, including capable neurosurgeons with a neurosurgical training program, radiology, intensive care unit, oncology ward, rehab, skilled nursing, and radiation oncology services. Currently, neurosurgery, radiology, and pathology meet weekly to review challenging cases. CONCLUSION Kenyatta National Hospital has the expertise to build a comprehensive neuro-oncology program. The program currently lacks a dedicated nurse coordinator and “specialist” in neuro-oncology. Ongoing discussions with local stakeholders are aimed to galvanize national support to improve awareness for children with brain tumors and to plan a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology symposium in 2021. In the meantime, telemedicine efforts can support nursing education and reiterate the multidisciplinary needs for children with brain tumors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii427-iii427
Author(s):  
Dr Minda Okemwa ◽  
Dr Simon Omouk ◽  
Prof Nimrod Mwangombe ◽  
Dr Benson Macharia

Abstract BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading solid tumors in the childhood population but vastly underreported in the African population. There’s limited data on childhood brain tumors as well as the histopathological distribution in Kenya. Our study aimed at assessing the spectrum as well as the level of correlation with imaging in diagnosis of brain tumors within two major hospital settings. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional retrospective descriptive study conducted at the two major hospitals in Kenya: Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Children who underwent treatment for brain tumors between 2015 and 2017 and whose tissue biopsies were available at the laboratory archives were included. RESULTS 87 cases were available for review, and the majority of the affected population were of ages 5–9 years. The most affected site was infratentorial compartment (48.3%) with gliomas and medulloblastoma being equally distributed. Majority of the gliomas were low grade (69%) with pilocytic astrocytoma being the most common subtype (42.9%). The overall sensitivity for the diagnosis of brain tumors through radiology was 69.4%. The level of correlation of histopathological to radiological diagnosis was statistically insignificant with P and kappa values of 0.814 and -0.024 respectively. CONCLUSION Gliomas and medulloblastomas were the commonest tumors at both centers. Histopathological diagnoses have a high concordance of agreement among various morphologists. The level of correlation between histopathological and radiological diagnosis was high. Next steps include standardizing clinical, radiological and pathological details within Kenya.


1985 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Cohen ◽  
Patricia K. Duffner

2005 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 173-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Kadri ◽  
Alhakam A. Mawla ◽  
Lina Murad

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii138-ii138
Author(s):  
Iyad Alnahhas ◽  
Appaji Rayi ◽  
Yasmeen Rauf ◽  
Shirley Ong ◽  
Pierre Giglio ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION While advocacy for inmates with cancer has recently gained momentum, little is known about management of brain tumors in inmates. Delays in acknowledging or recognizing nonspecific initial symptoms can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Inmates with cancer are reported to either be ignored or receive substandard care due in part to cost or logistics (American Civil Liberties Union; ASCO Post 2018). METHODS In this retrospective study, we identified inmates with gliomas seen in the Ohio State University Neuro-oncology Center between 1/1/2010-4/20/2019. RESULTS Twelve patients were identified. Median age at presentation was 39.5 years (range 28-62). Eleven patients were Caucasian and one was African American. Diagnoses included glioblastoma (GBM) (n=6), anaplastic astrocytoma (n=1), anaplastic oligodendroglioma (n=1), low-grade astrocytoma (n=3) and anaplastic pleomorphic xanthroastrocytoma (n=1). Patients were more likely to present early after seizures or focal neurologic deficits (9/12) than after headaches alone. Patients with GBM started RT 12-71 days after surgery (median 34.5). One patient’s post-RT MRI was delayed by a month and another with GBM had treatment held after 4 cycles of adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) due to “incarceration issues”. For one patient who received adjuvant TMZ, the facility failed to communicate with the primary team throughout treatment. Two patients suffered significant nausea while on chemotherapy due to inability to obtain ondansetron in prison, or due to wrong timing. 7/12 (58%) patients were lost to follow-up for periods of 3-15 months during treatment. Three patients refused adjuvant treatment. CONCLUSIONS Although this is a small series, our results highlight the inequities and challenges faced by inmates with gliomas who are more likely to forego treatments or whose incarceration prevents them from keeping appropriate treatment and follow-up schedules. Additional studies are needed to define and address these deficiencies in the care of inmates with brain tumors and other cancers.


Author(s):  
Mustafa Emin Canakci ◽  
Cengiz Ovali ◽  
İrem Aydogdu ◽  
Betul Tiryaki Bastug ◽  
Obaidullah Ahmadzai ◽  
...  

Abstract Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is an important complication of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Delayed diagnosis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite the name “atrioesophageal fistula,” fistulas functionally act esophageal to atrial, which accounts for the neurologic and infectious complications. This report presents the management of a 60-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with AEF-caused gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient was operated urgently, but he had serious comorbidities and died after the operation. The aim of this case was to evaluate patients who underwent RFA, within 10 days to two months, carefully in the ED and to know the possible complications.


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