Functional outcome after low‐grade astrocytoma treatment in childhood

摘要: BACKGROUND The relatively high survival rate of patients with low-grade astrocytoma necessitates increasing attention to physical and psychosocial outcomes. The objective the current study was investigate functional outcomes among children who were treated for or pilocytic in different areas brain. METHODS Functional evaluated following domains: impairments, disabilities, handicaps, quality life (QOL). In a consecutive series, 38 included. Follow-up ranged from 3 years 7 months 11 4 after diagnosis. RESULTS Approximately 61% had impairments 10% severe disability. Handicaps found domains relationships, school, behavior. Children supratentorial tumors required significantly more special education, infratentorial behavioral social problems. QOL decreased all except emotions. diagnosis adolescence reported lower functioning compared younger children. Data analysis revealed that some deficits suddenly became apparent diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS At long-term follow-up, astrocytomas have poor outcomes, depending on tumor site, age, recurrence. without may develop cognitive, social, diagnosis, because phenomenon “growing into deficit.” Therefore, authors suggest follow-up are at young age detect subsequently offer support focused medical cognitive as well consequences their disease. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Society.