Management strategy for children with ovarian immature teratoma: results from a tertiary pediatric oncology center.

OBJECTIVES: We present an Egyptian study on pediatric ovarian immature teratomas (ITs), aiming to clarify our treatment strategy selection. METHODS: A retrospective review of all children with pure ovarian ITs who were treated at our institution between 2008 and 2023. The analysis included clinical characteristics, tumor staging according to Children's Oncology Group (COG), grading based on the Norris system, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included, with a median age of 9 years. All patients underwent primary surgery. Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 31 patients. Surgical staging was completed in all patients. Based on COG staging, there were 28 patients (87.5%) stage I, 1 (3%) stage II, and 3 (9.5%) stage III. According to Norris classification, 16 patients (50%) were classified as grade I, 9 (28%) grade II, and 7 (22%) grade III. All patients in stage I were treated using surgery-alone approach, whereas the remaining four (12.5%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Five patients in stage I had gliomatosis peritonei (GP), and none of them underwent extensive surgery. At a median follow-up of 86 months, two patients had events. The first patient (stage III/grade I) developed IT relapse on the operative bed, and the second (stage I/grade I) had a metachronous IT on the contralateral ovary. Both patients were successfully managed with surgery followed by second-line chemotherapy. Five-year overall survival and event-free survival for all patients were 100% and 93.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery-alone strategy with close follow-up achieves excellent outcomes for localized ovarian ITs in children, irrespective of the Norris grading or the presence of GP. However, adjuvant chemotherapy is questionable for patients with incompletely resected or locally advanced tumors, and its role requires further evaluation through prospective multicentric studies with a larger sample size.

Can FDG-PET replace biopsy for the evaluation of residual tumor in pediatric mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of 18 F-labeled fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography (18 FDG-PET) scan for the detection of viable residual mass in pediatric mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This study also aims to detect the negative predictive value, positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, and specificity of 18 FDG-PET. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional nonrandomized study was carried out. We included all patients with newly diagnosed mature B-cell NHL treated at the Children Cancer Hospital Egypt during the period between July 2007 and the end of May 2018. Patients were included in the study if they (a) had a residual tumor mass, (b) underwent an 18 FDG-PET scan, and (c) had a pathologic documentation of this residual tumor. Patients were followed up till June 2019. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included, for whom 39 biopsies were performed. Mean age was 7.7 years. Median follow-up period was 52.8, range 6.1 to 117 months.18 FDG-PET scan was positive (Deauville score 3, 4, or 5) in 24 of 39 patients (61.5%), while it was negative (Deauville score 1 or 2) in 15 patients (38.5%). Positive 18 FDG-PET scan and biopsy were performed in 15 of 39 samples (38.4%; true positive, TP), while they were both negative in 13 samples (33.3%; true negative). Nine patients (23%) had positive scan and a negative biopsy (false positive), while 2 patients had negative uptake and a positive biopsy (false negative, FN)). Sensitivity of the 18 FDG-PET scan was 88.2% and specificity was 59.1%. PPV was 62.5% and NPPV was 86.6%. CONCLUSION: Changing therapy on the basis of a positive finding alone at the time of evaluation is not recommended. FN results exist, so biopsy confirmation is required to avoid the missing refractory disease. If negative, 18 FDG- PET can replace a biopsy if the latter is inaccessible or carries an unnecessary risk.

Management and outcome of pediatric Wilms tumor with malignant inferior Vena cava thrombus: largest cohort of single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Wilms tumor (WT) with an inferior Vena cava (IVC) malignant thrombus comprises 4-10% of all WT cases. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 51 pediatric patients presenting at Children Cancer Hospital Egypt-57357 from July 2007 to December 2016 with the diagnosis of WT with malignant IVC thrombus. RESULTS: Median age at presentation = 4.4 years and 28 cases (55%) were females. Twenty-five patients (49%) were metastatic and 4 patients (7.8%) had bilateral disease. Forty-seven cases (92.2%) had favorable histology with no evidence of anaplasia. Level of thrombus extension at presentation was classified as infra-hepatic, retro-hepatic, supra-hepatic and intra-cardiac in 33, 9, 6 and 3 patients, respectively. Fifty patients started neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTH) with 16 patients showing complete resolution of thrombus after 6 weeks of CTH. None of the patients developed thrombus progression after neoadjuvant CTH; one patient had stationary intra-cardiac thrombus, while remaining patients showed partial regression of their thrombus and had nephrectomy with en-bloc thrombectomy. The mean cranio-caudal dimension of IVC thrombi at initial presentation was 6.5 cm, and 3.6 cm post 6th week of CTH. The 5-year OS and EFS were 75.9% and 71.1%, respectively. There was no significant correlation of initial levels of thrombus extension with survival. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical nephrectomy with en-bloc thrombectomy and radiotherapy seems a successful approach for management of patients with WT and IVC tumor thrombus. Measurement of the cranio-caudal dimension of thrombus and its response to treatment should be considered in the surgical planning.

The outcome of childhood adrenocortical carcinoma in Egypt: A model from developing countries.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive endocrine neoplasm. Complete surgical resection is the single most important treatment. Most available information has been learned from experience with its more frequent adult counterpart. In this study, we assessed the features and survival outcome of patients with ACC at Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE). Patients diagnosed at CCHE between July 2007 and November 2016 were followed up on until November 2018. Patients with stages I and II were operated upon, while stages III and IV had received combinations of doxorubicin, etoposide, platinol, and mitotane (DEPM) beside the attempt to conduct surgery when feasible. Data belonging to 18 patients (7 men and 11 women) were analyzed; median age at diagnosis was 48.5 months. Sixteen patients had presented with secreting tumors. Six patients were diagnosed with stage I disease; four with stage II; three with stage III; and five with stage IV carcinoma. By the end of this study, 10 patients have survived; five-year overall survival of 66.3%. Surviving patients were all of stage I or II diseases and were all in remission. Seven patients who did not survive died due to tumor progression, while one patient died after chemotherapy. The prognosis of ACC is essentially dependent on a successful complete resection of the tumor and thus on the initial tumor stage. The mitotane and DEP protocols may help control tumor growth in the advanced stages for only short periods. Key pointsInitial stage and resectability are the main indicators of outcomes in adrenocortical carcinoma.Chemotherapeutic agents used in developed countries did not achieve the same outcomes.Further molecular-pharmacology differentiation is needed for various ethnic populations.

Watch and See Strategy in Selected Neuroblastoma Case Scenarios: Success and Limitations.

Neuroblastoma (NBL) in infants has the potential to regress/mature spontaneously. The literature showed some cases, subjected to initial observation, with reasonable outcome. Deferring/avoiding active treatment was investigated in selected favorable NBL cases. Patients enrolled on the watch and see strategy (W&S) had small primary tumor, localized stages 1 to 2, uncomplicated stage 4s, or stage 3. Tissue biopsy was not mandatory for infants below 6 months with localized mass. On progression, active intervention was indicated according to disease stage and risk after biological characterization. In total, 32 patients were enrolled on W&S strategy; male/female:2.6/1. Twelve had stages 1 to 2, 16 had stage 4s, and 4 were stage 3. Primary adrenal site was reported in 85% patients, and 65% patients had small mass (≤5 cm). Five-year overall and event-free survival were 100% and 80.9±7%, respectively, with a 43-month median follow-up duration. Spontaneous total/near total resolution of mass occurred in 50% patients. Median time to regression was 1.7 months, and 20.7 months until resolution. Only 19% patients witnessed progression; median time to progression was 4.8 months. W&S is a reasonable approach for localized and uncomplicated stages 3 and 4S NBL. Extended tumor size is a newly investigated entity in the present study. All progressive cases were safely rescued with 100% survival outcome.

Overview and outcome of mucormycosis among children with cancer: Report from the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt.

Mucormycosis represents a real challenge in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment outcome and infection-related mortality in our patients at the Children's Cancer Hospital 57357, Cairo, Egypt. This is a retrospective study during the period 2007-2017. Data analysis included demographic data, risk factors, diagnostic workup, treatment and outcome. During the study period, 45 patients developed proven mucormycosis according to EORTC/MSG criteria (2008). Ninety percentof cases were of haematological malignancies. Liposomal amphotericin B was the mainstay of treatment. Posaconazole was used as secondary prophylaxis in 35% of cases. Combination antifungal was used in three cases with progressive mucormycosis. Surgical intervention was achievable in 50% of cases. Therapy was successful in 35 patients (66%). Complications related to mucormycosis were seen in five cases with disfigurement and perforated hard palate. Chemotherapy delay with subsequent relapse of primary malignancy was reported in one case. Mucormycosis-related mortality was 33% (15 cases). Mucormycosis is a major cause of mortality among patients with haematological malignancies. Early diagnosis of Mucormycosis infection, with rapid initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy and surgical intervention, whenever feasible, is the backbone of mucormycosis treatment.

Bilateral adrenal neuroblastoma: peculiar pattern of a rare pediatric presentation.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral suprarenal neuroblastoma (BSN) is a rare presentation. Few previously published literature showed BSN patients to have favorable pattern and prognosis. This study aim was to evaluate clinical and biological features in relation to outcome of Egyptian patients with BSN. METHODS: Included patients were diagnosed from 2007 to 2017, retrospectively. Tissue biopsy, imaging and bone marrow were evaluated at presentation. Clinical, demographic, biological variables and risk group were determined and analyzed in relation to overall (OS) and event-free-survival (EFS). RESULTS: BSN patients (n = 33) represented 2% of hospital patients with neuroblastoma during the 10-year study period, 17 were males and 16 were females. Twenty-four patients (72.7%) were infants, and 9 patients (27.3%) were above 1 year of age (range: 1 month to 3 years). Metachronous disease was present in only one patient. Amplified MYCN was found in 10 patients. Initially, most patients (n = 25) had distant metastasis, 6 had stage 3 versus 2 stage 2. Fifteen were high risk (HR), 15 intermediate (IR), 1 low risk (LR) and 2 were undetermined due to inadequate tissue biopsy. Three-year OS for HR and IR patients were 40.5% and 83.9% versus 23.2% and 56.6% EFS; respectively. CONCLUSION: BSN treatment is similar to unilateral disease. A more conservative surgical approach with adrenal tissue preservation on less extensive side should be considered. Biological variables and extent of disease are amongst the most important prognostic determinants. Future studies are warranted to further address the biologic profiling of BSN and highlight prognostic significance of size difference between both adrenal sides.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication for acne among medical students in Beni-Suef University.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and self-medication practices for acne vulgaris. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Beni-Suef University's Faculty of Medicine from January 2023 to June 2023. A pre-structured questionnaire was used for the study. RESULTS: A total of 297 students (85.1 %) used self-medications for acne without a prescription. The total knowledge score of self-medication among the study participants was 3.81 ± 2.23. About 71.4 % knew about precautions, and 72.7 % of the participants reported that self-medication is part of self-care. There was a statistical significance between the total mean knowledge score and age (p=0.007), gender (p=0.013), and academic year (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant portion of students self-medicate about acne. The total knowledge score of self-medication was to some extent not relatively high. Educational programs can be developed to increase medical students' awareness of the risks and benefits of self-medication, information on appropriate use of medications, and when to seek medical attention.

Scoliosis After Resection of Primary Pediatric Chest Wall Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis is one of the long-term consequences of surgical resection of pediatric chest wall tumors. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with scoliosis development following the resection of chest wall tumors. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 64 children who underwent resection of malignant chest wall tumors from 2009 to 2022. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate factors associated with scoliosis development. RESULTS: The median age at the time of surgery was 7 years (range, 3-21), with 33 (51.6%) patients undergoing surgery before the age of 10 years. The most common histology was Ewing sarcoma (n = 57). A median of 3 (range, 1-5) contiguous ribs were resected. A total of 34 (53.1%) patients had anterior CWTs and 30 (46.9%) had posterior CWTs. Concomitant partial lung and diaphragmatic resection were performed in 12 patients (lung, n = 7; diaphragm, n = 5). Scoliosis convex towards the resection side developed in 21 (32.8%). The primary risk factors for scoliosis were resecting 3 or more ribs (OR 6.44) and resection of the posterior rib segment (OR 5.49). Patients with a tumor resection below 10 years old were not associated with a higher risk of scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Scoliosis following resection of a primary malignant pediatric chest wall tumor is associated with resection involving three or more ribs and resection of the posterior rib sector. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective observational. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Perception of social accountability among medical students in Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the perceived SA for medical students in Beni-Suef University, Egypt. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months among medical students at faculty of medicine, Beni-Suef University through an online survey using google form. For data collection, an English validated questionnaire developed in partnership by the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA) and the Training for Health Equity Network (THEnet) was used. RESULTS: Students' mean SA score was 17.3±7.1. Perceived SA scores ranged from 18 to 26 for 40.9% of participants, while 38.9% of them had scores ranging from (9-17), indicating that the faculty is doing well, However, there is a need to identify areas of weakness and advocate for strategies to improve SA among students. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in age, gender, residence, and academic year across students with different scores. CONCLUSION: Although half of the medical students of Beni-Suef university had acceptable SA, but there are areas for improvement and weakness to fix within the faculty.

Nephrectomy for Pediatric Renal Tumors: A Modified Surgical Approach to Minimize Post-operative Intestinal Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The authors present a modified surgical technique during tumor nephrectomy in children with a conservative approach towards small bowel manipulation and cutting of the peritoneal reflections. We aimed to evaluate this modified surgical approach regarding the incidence of post-operative small bowel obstruction (SBO), and its technical utility. METHODS: The study includes all children with unilateral renal tumors who underwent radical nephrectomy and lymph nodes sampling at our tertiary center from 2010 to 2022. The modified technique was performed via the usual transverse incision. We cut the peritoneal reflections short of the cecum or short of the sigmoid colon. The colon is reflected over SB packing it, proceeding to nephrectomy and lymph nodes sampling. Data included demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment strategy, operative details, post-operative SBO, and overall outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 890 patients with a median age of 3.2 years. The median tumor largest diameter was 13 cm (range: 9-18 cm). The modified surgical technique was adopted in 287 patients (32.3 %). Forty-three patients (43/890, 4.8 %) had post-operative SBO. Out of them, only 4 cases were operated on using the modified surgical technique (p-value<0.001). There were no significant differences between both techniques regarding timing of surgery, tumor rupture, lymph nodes sampling, and tumor size (p-value = 0.775, 0.328, 0.216, and 0.563, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The modified surgical approach is significantly correlated with lower incidence of post-operative SBO with no increased risk of tumor rupture or incomplete lymph nodes sampling. The timing of surgery or tumor characteristics had no significant impact on the technical utility of the modified surgical approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Parotid gland masses: outcomes in the pediatric age group.

BACKGROUND: Childhood parotid neoplasms appear to have different characteristics from adults. This point, in addition to the rarity of these tumors, reflects the challenges faced in diagnosing and treating parotid neoplasms in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all children who presented to the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE, 57357) with parotid masses from January 2008 to December 2020. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included. Malignant neoplasms were found in 12 (57.1%) of which mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common. Benign neoplasms were found in 6 (28.6%) all of them were pleomorphic adenoma, and non-neoplastic lesions were found in 3 (14.3%). Superficial, deep, or total parotidectomy was performed according to the involved lobes. The facial nerve was sacrificed in three cases because of frank invasion by the tumor. Neck dissection was considered in clinically positive lymph nodes and/or T3/4 masses. Complications occurred in 7 (33.3%) all were of the malignant cases. Adjuvant radiotherapy was restricted to high-risk cases (7 cases). Recurrence occurred in two cases, and one patient died of distant metastasis. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed 88.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosing malignant neoplasms. The correlation of radiological and pathological staging was fair (66.74% for overall staging). CONCLUSIONS: Parotidectomy is the backbone treatment for benign and malignant pediatric parotid tumors. Neck nodal dissection should be considered after preoperative FNAC of suspicious nodes. Adjuvant radiotherapy is considered only in high-risk tumors. Preoperative FNAC of parotid masses and clinically suspicious lymph nodes is highly recommended.

Effects of insulin and sitagliptin on early cardiac dysfunction in diabetic rats.

AIMS: Cardiac affection is common in diabetic patients. Although insulin exerts a cardioprotective role, it may not be enough to totally prevent this affection. The current study aimed to compare the cardioprotective effect of insulin alone or combined with sitagliptin in a rat model of type 1 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were treated with insulin (3 IU), insulin (6 IU), or insulin (3 IU) + sitagliptin (10 mg/kg) for 42 days. KEY FINDINGS: Diabetic rats exhibited significant systolic and diastolic cardiac affection with significant elevation of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Treatment with insulin prevented the deterioration of diabetes-induced cardiac condition, an effect that was significantly potentiated by the combined use of sitagliptin. SIGNIFICANCE: The combined use of sitagliptin and insulin significantly improved the cardioprotective effect of insulin and prevented the early cardiac dysfunction in STZ diabetic rats.

Operative management and outcomes in children with pheochromocytoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate management and prognosis in children with pheochromocytoma who were treated at an Egyptian tertiary center. METHODS: The authors conducted an 8-year retrospective analysis for 17 patients who were presented from January 2013 to January 2021. Clinical criteria, operative details, and follow-up data were assessed. Overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. An event was assigned with the occurrence of recurrence or metachronous disease, or death. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 14 years (range: 6-17.5 years). Ten patients (58.8%) were males and seven (41.2%) were females. Hypertension-related symptoms were the main presentations in 15 patients (88%). None of the included children underwent genetic testing. Sixteen patients (94%) had unilateral tumors (right side: 12), whereas only one was presented with bilateral masses. The median tumor size was 7 cm (range: 4-9 cm). Metastatic workup did not reveal any metastatic lesions. All patients underwent open adrenalectomy, and clinical manifestations were completely resolved after surgery. Adjuvant therapy was not administered to any patient. There were no deaths or relapses at a median follow-up time of 40 months, whilst two children had metachronous disease after primary resection. Both were managed by adrenal-sparing surgery, and they achieved a second complete remission thereafter. Five-year OS and EFS were 100% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Complete surgical resection achieves excellent clinical and survival outcomes for pheochromocytoma in children. Meticulous, long-term follow-up is imperative for early detection of metachronous disease to facilitate adrenal-sparing surgery. Genetic assessment for patients and their families is essential; however, it was not available at our institution.

Prognostic significance of the ratio of surgically resected to radiologically detected lung nodules in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma.

The factors that affect the prognosis of patients' metastatic osteosarcoma are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated a new prognostic factor, the ratio of surgically resected to radiologically detected osteosarcoma lung nodules (SR/RD), which may have predictive value. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from patients with metastatic osteosarcoma who underwent metastasectomy between January 2009 and December 2020, in a single center, were reviewed. The relationships between survival and the SR/RD ratio, timing of lung metastases, number of nodules, laterality, and presence of tumor necrosis at first metastasectomy were investigated. RESULTS: Among the 125 metastatic osteosarcoma patients, 80 patients had an SR/RD ratio ≤1. The median duration of follow-up was 72 months, ranging from 6 to 118 months. The five-year overall survival (OS) and postmetastasectomy event-free survival (EFS) for all patients were 36.5% and 18.1%, respectively. The five-year OS of patients with a low SR/RD ratio was 49.6% and that of patients with a high SR/RD ratio was 11.8 (P = 0.001). The two-year postmetastasectomy EFS rates of the high and low ratio groups were 24.1% and 9.4%, respectively (P = 0.001). The SR/RD ratio, number of nodules, and tumor necrosis had significant effects on OS and postmetastasectomy EFS in univariate analysis. A Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that tumor necrosis and an SR/RD ratio >1 were associated with OS (HR = 1.8 and 2.01) and postmetastasectomy EFS (HR = 1,69 and 1.97). CONCLUSIONS: A high SR/RD ratio of greater than 1 and poor tumor necrosis were significantly associated with poor survival among patients with metastatic osteosarcoma who had lung metastasectomy. The high SR/RD ratio may be a surrogate outcome for incomplete metastatic tumor resection.

Effects of sociodemographic background on fertility motivation patterns in the Beni-Suef governorate, Upper Egypt.

Objectives: A comprehensive assessment of childbearing motivations in the governorate of Beni-Suef was conducted to better understand fertility patterns, and to develop appropriate familial policies and programs to reduce fertility rates and address the problem of overpopulation in Upper Egypt. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to May 2021. A total of 1085 married women who attended any health care service in rural or urban primary health care facilities in the Beni-Suef governorate were included in the study. Results: The results revealed that 42.1% of participants had a positive desire for childbearing, and 45% of participants had a negative desire for childbearing; the rest of the participants (12.9%) had undecided motivations. The most prevalent positive motive for childbearing was a love of children (40.8%), whereas the most prevalent negative motive for childbearing was economic circumstances (44.7%). A statistically significant difference was observed in fertility motivations among the studied women, depending on age, education, husband's education, age at marriage, marriage duration, number of living siblings, monthly income, occupation, gravidity, parity, and chronic diseases (p = 0.001). Conclusion: A great need exists to involve young couples who have not yet attained their desired family size and who do not use family planning methods, in fertility regulation interventions.

Comparative efficacy of lidocaine-prilocaine cream and vaginal misoprostol in reducing pain during levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion in women delivered only by cesarean delivery: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy of lidocaine-prilocaine (LP) cream versus misoprostol versus placebo before levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) insertion. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital from April 30, 2020 to March 1, 2021 on 210 parous women willing to receive LNG-IUD and delivered only by elective cesarean delivery (CD). Participants received 200 µg vaginal misoprostol or 5 ml of LP cream 5% or placebo 3 h before LNG-IUS insertion. Primary outcome was pain during LNG-IUD insertion, while secondary outcomes were pain 10 min post-procedure, ease of insertion, patient satisfaction, insertion time, and drug side effects. RESULTS: Pain during LNG-IUS insertion was reduced in LP group and misoprostol group compared to placebo group (2.1 ± 1.0 vs 3.7 ± 1.6; p <0.001) and (2.3 ± 1.3 vs 3.7 ± 1.6; p <0.001), respectively. Ease of procedure and patient satisfaction were significantly higher in LP and misoprostol groups than placebo (P <0.001). Need for additional analgesia was significantly higher in placebo group than in the other two groups (P = 0.009). Adverse events were not significantly different between the three groups except vomiting and abdominal cramps, which were higher with misoprostol. CONCLUSION: LP cream and 200 µg of vaginal misoprostol administration before LNG-IUD insertion in women delivered only by elective CD effectively reduced pain during insertion and 10 min post-procedure with easier insertions, high patient satisfaction, and tolerable side effects. Pain reduction with LP cream was clinically significant.

Surgical Resection of Hepatoblastoma: Factors Affecting Local Recurrence.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate potential factors contributing to local recurrence after surgical resection of hepatoblastoma (HB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involving all patients with HB who underwent nontransplant surgery at our tertiary center between July 2007 and July 2018. Data were analyzed regarding microscopic surgical resection margin, tumor multifocality and extracapsular tumor extension in correlation with local recurrence. These relations were assessed by logistic regression. RESULTS: The study included 133 patients with a median age of 1.3 years (range: 0.5-12.8 years). They were classified into 99 cases (74.44%) standard risk and 34 cases (25.56%) high risk. Delayed surgical resection was adopted in all patients. Follow-up to July 2019 revealed that 23 patients (23/133, 17.3%) developed local recurrence, whereas the remaining 110 were locally disease free. Microscopic positive margin (R1) was detected in 29 patients, 8 of them had local recurrence (p = 0.097). Regarding tumor multifocality, there were 12 patients who had multifocal lesions, 3 of them developed local recurrence (p = 0.459). Forty-four patients had extracapsular tumor extension in their pathological reports, 12 of them had local recurrence (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Extracapsular tumor extension was a significant prognostic factor of local recurrence after surgical resection of HB. R1 margin does not necessarily require a second resection, and it could achieve accepted results when combined with adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. However, patients who are not eligible for surgical resection must be transferred for primary transplantation to obtain favorable outcome.

Effect of timing of pulmonary metastasis occurrence on the outcome of metastasectomy in osteosarcoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Complete metastasectomy is the best predictor of survival in patients with osteosarcoma pulmonary metastases. There has been some controversy in the literature regarding the prognostic significance of the timing of occurrence of lung metastasis. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical course of all osteosarcoma patients with pulmonary metastases treated by metastasectomy in our hospital from January 2008 through December 2016. Each patient who underwent metastasectomy was placed into one of three groups based on whether lung metastases were present at initial presentation (Group 1), developed during chemotherapy (Group 2), or appeared after completion of chemotherapy (Group 3). Data were obtained retrospectively and follow-up was obtained until the end of June 2017. RESULTS: We identified 170 patients with pulmonary nodules of whom 99 (58.2%) underwent at least one metastasectomy (149 thoracotomies). Eleven patients had benign pulmonary nodules and were excluded. The other 88 patients were classified as Group 1 (37), Group 2 (18) or Group 3 (33). The median follow-up was 35 months (range 8 to 99). Postmetastasis 5-year overall survival (OS) was 38.1 ±â€¯6.4%; event-free survival (EFS) was 25 ±â€¯5.3%. By group, postmetastasis 5-year OS and EFS were 34.3 ±â€¯13% and 18 ±â€¯9.3% in Group 1, 8 ±â€¯6.5% and 6.5 ±â€¯5% in Group 2, and 52 ±â€¯11.4% and 25 ±â€¯9% in Group 3 (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, the only significant factors associated with survival were timing of occurrence of lung metastasis and the number of lung nodules found. CONCLUSION: The timing of occurrence of lung metastasis is an important prognostic factor among osteosarcoma patients eligible for metastasectomy. Patients whose metastases occurred during chemotherapy had the worst survival. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.