Neurologic Manifestations during the Course of Neuroblastoma in Children / 대한소아신경학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze the frequency and characteristics of neurologic manifestations in patients with neuroblastoma, retrospectively. METHODS: Eighty children with neuroblastoma who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center between January 1995 and June 2009 were included. RESULTS: Neurologic manifestations were present in 21(26%) of the 80 children. Twelve children presented neurologic manifestations at diagnosis(lower limb paresis and bladder dysfunction in 7 children; diplopia, nystagmus and ptosis in 4 children; opsoclonus and truncal ataxia in one child). And 9 children presented neurologic manifestations during treatment(seizure in 5 children; hemiparesis in 2 children; Horner's syndrome in one child; right upper limb paresis in one child). Ten of 12 children with neurologic manifestations at diagnosis recovered and 4 of 9 children with neurologic manifestations during treatment recovered, eventually. All of the patients with neurologic manifestations at diagnosis were consistent with advanced neuroblastoma, either stage III or IV. Five of the 12 children with neurologic manifestations at diagnosis expired and 6 of the 9 children with neurologic manifestations during treatment expired. CONCLUSION: Neurologic manifestations at diagnosis suggest the high likelihood of advanced stage neuroblastoma. Neurologic manifestations during treatment may indicate poor prognosis.