Use of Vacuum-Assisted Closure to Reduce the Likelihood of Wound Complications After Limb-Sparing Resection of Pediatric Primary Bone Sarcomas of the Femur.

BACKGROUND: Limb-sparing surgery is the standard of care for primary bone tumors. However, such procedures are associated with high rates of wound complications, specifically in lower-extremity surgeries. Therefore, identifying and implementing interventions to minimize the likelihood of wound complications after limb-sparing resection of the lower extremity is crucial. METHODS: Patients who underwent limb-sparing osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma resection during a 7-year period at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected on 39 patients who underwent limb-sparing resection of the femur. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative and postoperative data were extracted and analyzed. Patients who underwent resection before April 2017 received conventional postoperative incision dressings. Starting in April 2017, patients received vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) with the 3 M™ Prevena VAC system after surgical closure. Eighteen patients received conventional postoperative incision dressing, and 21 received incisional wound VAC. A wound complication was defined as any Clavien-Dindo classification greater than 0 within a 28-day postoperative period. RESULTS: Patients who received postoperative incisional wound VAC had lower rates of wound complications than those who received conventional incision dressings (14% vs. 50%; p = 0.035). Additionally, patients in whom wound complications developed had a longer average hospital stay than those without wound complications (5 days vs. 4 days; p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Wound complications prolong the hospital stay and can delay adjuvant chemotherapy for bone tumors. The use of postoperative incisional wound VAC is associated with less likelihood of wound complications and should be considered in any high-risk surgical closure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Treatment Study.

Lifestyle and Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess longitudinal associations between lifestyle and subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) in young adult childhood cancer survivors. METHODS: Members of the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE) aged ≥18 years and surviving ≥5 years after childhood cancer diagnosis were queried and evaluated for physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength, body mass index (BMI), smoking, risky drinking, and a combined lifestyle score. Time to first SMN, excluding nonmalignant neoplasms and nonmelanoma skin cancer, was the outcome of longitudinal analysis. RESULTS: Survivors (n = 4072, 47% female, 29% smokers, 37% risky drinkers, 34% obese, and 48% physically inactive) had a mean (SD) time between baseline evaluation and follow-up of 7.0 (3.3) years, an age of 8.7 (5.7) years at diagnosis, and an age of 30 (8.4) years at baseline lifestyle assessment. Neither individual lifestyle factors nor a healthy lifestyle score (RR 0.8, 0.4-1.3, p = 0.36) were associated with the risk of developing an SMN. CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any association between lifestyle factors and the risk of SMN in young adult childhood cancer survivors.

Lifestyle and subsequent meningioma in childhood cancer survivors: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle is associated with meningioma risk in the general population. AIMS: We assessed longitudinal associations between lifestyle-associated factors and subsequent meningiomas in childhood cancer survivors. METHODS AND RESULTS: Childhood cancer survivors age ≥18 years in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study were evaluated for body composition, self-reported physical activity, cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, smoking, and alcohol consumption at baseline. Time to first meningioma analyses were performed, adjusted for sex, age at diagnosis and baseline assessment, treatment decade, and childhood cancer treatment exposures. The study included 4,072 survivors (47% female; [mean (SD)] 9 (6) years at diagnosis; 30 (8.5) years at the start of follow-up, with 7.0 (3.3) years of follow-up). 30% of the participants were survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 29% of the participants had received cranial radiation. During follow-up, 90 participants developed ≥1 meningioma, of whom 73% were survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with cranial radiation being the strongest risk factor (relative risk [RR] 29.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.6-83.2). Muscle strength assessed by knee extension was associated with a lower risk of developing a meningioma in the adjusted analyses (RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-1.0, p = 0.04 for quartiles 3-4 vs. 1). No other lifestyle-associated variable was associated with subsequent meningioma. CONCLUSION: Independent of cranial radiation, muscle strength was associated with a lower risk of developing a subsequent meningioma in childhood cancer survivors.

Examining the influence of pain and fatigue on neurocognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease.

Pain and fatigue are among the most common and impactful complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). Individuals with SCD are also more likely to have neurocognitive deficits. Previous studies have suggested that pain and fatigue might influence neurocognitive functioning in patients with SCD. However, these studies are limited by small sample sizes and inadequate measurement of cognitive performance. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain and fatigue with neurocognitive functioning using performance-based measures of neurocognition. Pain and fatigue were not associated with neurocognitive performance. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Decreasing Burnout and Improving Work Environment: The Impact of Firgun on a Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Team.

PURPOSE: Oncology teams are challenged by BO, which may be alleviated by meaningful recognition. In this study, firgun-altruistic acknowledgment-was implemented on a pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant unit to evaluate its impact on staff and work environment. METHODS: In this longitudinal, mixed-methods pilot study, interdisciplinary inpatient hematopoietic cell transplant providers received web-based firgun education. Electronic administration of validated surveys occurred at baseline and 8 weeks, including Perceived Stress Scale, Professional Quality of Life Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Workplace Civility Index, Areas of Work Life Survey, and WHO-5. Weekly e-mails reminded participants to practice and log firgun. Wilcoxon signed test for paired data compared pre/post results. Interviews conducted at project completion were coded using MaxQDA software. RESULTS: Forty-two participants enrolled; 25 completed pre/post surveys; eight were interviewed. At study end, participants reported feeling less nervous and stressed (P = .008), and less difficulty coping (P = .01; Perceived Stress Scale), while noting increased acknowledgment of others' work (P = .04) and seeking constructive feedback (P = .04; Workplace Civility Index). Marked BO was not evident overall on the Maslach Burnout Inventory; however, emotional exhaustion subscale mean (SD) scores improved from pre (19.4 [8.6]) to post (16 [6.3; P = .02]) and individual items illustrated decreased fatigue (P = .008), frustration (P = .04), and feeling "at the end of my rope" (P = .001). Postintervention participants noted increased receipt of recognition (P = .02; Areas of Work Life Survey), decreased feeling "bogged down" (P = .02), decreased affective stress (P = .04), and negative pre-occupations (P = .04; Professional Quality of Life Scale). Qualitative analysis revealed themes of improved confidence at work and enhanced feelings of trust and teamwork. CONCLUSION: Firgun is a tool that can potentially reduce BO and stress in interdisciplinary providers, facilitate teamwork, and promote positive work environments in clinical oncology and beyond.

Dexmedetomidine and Propofol at End of Life in Pediatric Oncology: Trends in Palliative Sedation Therapy.

Context: Palliative sedation therapy (PST) can address suffering at the end of life (EOL) in children with cancer; yet, little is known about PST in this population. Objectives: We sought to describe the characteristics of pediatric oncology patients requiring PST at the EOL. Methods: A retrospective review was completed for pediatric oncology patients who required PST at a United States academic institution over 10 years, including demographics, disease characteristics, EOL characteristics, and medications for PST and symptom management. Results: PST was utilized in 3% of patients at the EOL. Of 24 study participants receiving PST, 83% (n = 20), 12.5% (n = 3), and 4.2% (n = 1) received dexmedetomidine, propofol, or both, respectively. The most frequent diagnosis for patients receiving PST was acute myelogenous leukemia (20.8%, n = 5). All patients were followed up by the palliative care team, and two-thirds (66.6%, n = 16) were also followed up by the pain management service; 79% (n = 19) were enrolled in hospice, and 98.5% (n = 23) had a Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment in place. Pain was the most common refractory symptom leading to PST initiation (33.3%, n = 8), followed by neuroagitation and dyspnea. PST was initiated a median of 2.5 days before death. A third of deaths occurred in the intensive care unit (33.3%, n = 8). Conclusions: PST was rare in this study; dexmedetomidine was used as first-line treatment for PST in patients at the EOL with refractory symptoms. Its place in PST protocols in pediatric oncology should be validated with prospective studies. Our study suggests the potential value of collaboration between palliative care and pain specialists in the context of PST.

Chronic postsurgical pain in children and young adults with cancer and choice of regional anesthesia for amputation and limb-sparing surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing limb amputation (LA) or limb-sparing (LS) for lower extremity oncologic diagnoses are at similar risk for chronic postsurgical pain of neuropathic nature (CPSP/NP). Regional anesthesia (RA) techniques are pre-emptive measures to prevent the occurrence of the CPS/NP. However, recommendations for epidural (EP) versus peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) lack in pediatric literature. AIMS: This study investigates the incidence and duration of CPSP/NP and describes NP-directed regimens. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on demographics, use of EP or PNB, duration of CPSP/NP, and NP-directed medication were retrospectively collected for LA and LS between 2009 and 2019. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to compare the odds of CPSP/NP between EP and PNB. Cox PH model with adjustment for clustering due to multiple surgeries on patients was used to quantify rate of pain relief between surgery groups (LA vs. LS) and RA groups (EP vs. PNB). The incidence of CPSP/NP was 36 (23.8%) after 165 surgeries (150 patients). The odds of CPSP/NP after PNB were 2.5 times those of CPSP/NP after EP (p = .11). The rate of pain relief at any instant after the EP was 1.2 times that after PNB (p = .3). The rate of pain relief for LS with EP was 1.9 times that of pain relief for LA with EP, a statistically significant difference (p = .03). Gabapentin was used (94.5%), with addition of amitriptyline (24.2%) and both amitriptyline and methadone (12.7%). CONCLUSION: The LS with the EP group had a significantly higher rate of relief of CPSP/NP than LA with EP. Odds of CPSP/NP after PNB were 2.5 times those of CPSP after EP.

Compassionate de-escalation of life-sustaining treatments in pediatric oncology: An opportunity for palliative care and intensive care collaboration.

Context: Approximately 40%-60% of deaths in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are in the context of de-escalation of life-sustaining treatments (LSTs), including compassionate extubation, withdrawal of vasopressors, or other LSTs. Suffering at the end of life (EOL) is often undertreated and underrecognized. Pain and poor quality of life are common concerns amongst parents and providers at a child's EOL. Integration of palliative care (PC) may decrease suffering and improve symptom management in many clinical situations; however, few studies have described medical management and symptom burden in children with cancer in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) undergoing de-escalation of LSTs. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for deceased pediatric oncology patients who experienced compassionate extubation and/or withdrawal of vasopressor support at EOL in the PICU. Demographics, EOL characteristics, and medication use for symptom management were abstracted. Descriptive analyses were applied. Results: Charts of 43 patients treated over a 10-year period were reviewed. Most patients (69.8%) were white males who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and experienced compassionate extubation (67.4%) and/or withdrawal of vasopressor support (44.2%). The majority (88.3%) had a physician order for scope of treatment (POST - DNaR) in place an average of 13.9 days before death. PC was consulted for all but one patient; however, in 18.6% of cases, consultations occurred on the day of death. During EOL, many patients received medications to treat or prevent respiratory distress, pain, and agitation/anxiety. Sedative medications were utilized, specifically propofol (14%), dexmedetomidine (12%), or both (44%), often with opioids and benzodiazepines. Conclusions: Pediatric oncology patients undergoing de-escalation of LSTs experience symptoms of pain, anxiety, and respiratory distress during EOL. Dexmedetomidine and propofol may help prevent and/or relieve suffering during compassionate de-escalation of LSTs. Further efforts to optimize institutional policies, education, and collaborations between pediatric intensivists and PC teams are needed.

Improving visitors' hand hygiene compliance in a pediatric oncology unit.

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene (HH) is the single most important method to prevent infections. We aim at improving HH compliance by visitors to a pediatric oncology unit. METHODS: A performance improvement project implemented several Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles in July-November 2018. At baseline, a wall-mounted alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispenser was available at the unit entrance. Cycle 1 (visual cue), cycle 2 (visual cue plus verbal symptom screen), and cycle 3 (visual cue, symptom screen, plus HH verbal instructions) were tested. Patient care associates (PCA) positioned at the entrance implemented the cycles and recorded data about visitor's estimated age, day and time of observations, and covert HH compliance monitoring. Participating PCAs were surveyed regarding process feasibility. RESULTS: Of 1230 (97%) analyzed observations; 204 (17%) were baseline, 293 (24%) in cycle 1, 374 (30%) in cycle 2, and 359 (29%) in cycle 3. The visitors' HH compliance significantly increased to 16.0%, 22.5%, and 48.5% in cycles 1, 2, and 3, respectively, from a baseline of 4.9% (P < .001). Visitors were more likely to perform HH when directly instructed (cycle 3) compared to baseline (adjusted OR = 19.77, 95% CI, 10.30-42.09, P < .001). Although the surveyed PCAs agreed the process is easy and fast, they reported few barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Direct verbal instructions for HH were the most effective in improving visitors' HH compliance.

Comparison of Autonomic Function before and after Surgical Intervention in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is commonly associated with imbalances in cardiovascular (CV) parasympathetic and sympathetic functions, which are treated using TLE surgery. We investigated the effect of hemispheric lateralization of seizure foci on autonomic CV functions before and after TLE surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted on patients with left TLE (LTLE, n = 23) and right TLE (RTLE, n = 30) undergoing unilateral TLE surgery. To assess the autonomic CV functions, changes in the heart rate (ΔHR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured using a standardized battery of autonomic reactivity tests before surgery and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Before surgery, ΔHR and the expiration to inspiration ratio (E:I) during the deep breathing test were higher in the LTLE group than in the RTLE group (both p < 0.001), but both outcomes were comparable between the groups at 3 and 6 months. ΔHR decreased at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively) compared with preoperative values. The E:I at 3 months in the LTLE group was lower (p = 0.04) than the preoperative values. Decrease in systolic BP during the head-up tilt test was greater in the LTLE group than in the RTLE group (p = 0.002) before surgery. The maximum increase in diastolic BP during the cold pressor test was lower in the RTLE group at 6 months than that before surgery (p = 0.001) and in the LTLE group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We found that hemispheric lateralization of seizure foci in the temporal lobe had a differential effect on autonomic CV functions before surgery. Before surgery, parasympathetic reactivity was higher in the LTLE group, and sympathetic reactivity was higher in the RTLE group. After surgery, autonomic CV functions were comparable between the groups, suggesting that TLE surgery stabilizes autonomic CV functions.