ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: NB is the most frequent pediatric cancer arising in the sympathetic nervous system and represents a serious healthcare challenge because: 1) it is the most frequent neoplasm in the first decades of life; 2) it biological behavior is unpredictable (spontaneous regression, maturation to ganglioneuroma, and localized and metastasized variants); and 3) little is known about most of the risk factors involved in its etiopathogenesis. The objective of this study was to disseminate knowledge of constitutional and environmental (physical, chemical, biological and social) risk factors linked to the development of neuroblastoma (NB), with various levels of scientific evidence. To seek collaboration among pediatricians in the research project "Environment and Pediatric Cancer". MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature published in the previous 25 years on risk factors for NB diagnosed in the first two decades of life, using Medline, the Science Citation Index and Embase. Search profiles were: "neuroblastoma/childhood sympathetic nervous system neoplasms and risk factors/etiology/epidemiology". The most interesting articles and the most relevant references contained therein were selected. RESULTS: With greater or lesser scientific evidence, the following risk factors increase the risk of developing NB: genetic factors; geographic factors; ethnic factors; socioeconomic factors; infectious factors; physical factors; parental occupational exposure; gestational factors; and perinatal and maternal factors. Preventive factors associated with a lower risk of developing NB are breastfeeding and intake of vitamin supplements during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The main barriers to the identification of evidence-based risk factors involved in the development of NB are its complex biology and clinical course, its relative rarity and the difficulty of performing epidemiological studies. Research on constitutional and environmental factors involved in its etiopathogenesis should be stimulated. The best preventive strategy is to recommend breastfeeding for more than 6 months.
Subject(s)
Neuroblastoma/etiology , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Neuroblastoma/epidemiology , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Introducción. El neuroblastoma, principal tumor pediátrico del sistema nervioso simpático, constituye un serio desafío sanitario por: a) ser la neoplasia más frecuente de las primeras épocas de la vida; b) su enigmático comportamiento biológico (regresión espontánea, maduración a ganglioneuroma, formas localizadas y variedades diseminadas), y c) el desconocimiento actual de la mayoría de los factores de riesgo implicados en su etiopatogenia. El objetivo de este trabajo es divulgar los factores de riesgo constitucionales y medioambientales (físicos, químicos, biológicos y sociales) asociados, con mayor o menor evidencia científica, al desarrollo del neuroblastoma. Recalcar la ayuda de nuestros compañeros para el proyecto de investigación "Medio ambiente y cáncer pediátrico". Material y métodos. Revisión bibliográfica sistemática, de los últimos 25 años, de los factores de riesgo relacionados con el neuroblastoma, durante las primeras dos décadas de vida, obtenida del Medline, Index Citation Science y Embase. Los perfiles de búsqueda utilizados han sido: "neuroblastoma/childhood simpatic nervous system neoplasms and risk factors/etiology/epidemiology". Se han seleccionado los artículos más interesantes, y de sus referencias, las más relevantes. Resultados. Los siguientes factores de riesgo, con mayor o menor evidencia científica, incrementan el riesgo de neuroblastoma: genéticos, geográficos, étnicos, socioeconómicos, infecciosos, físicos, exposiciones parentales ocupacionales, gestacionales, maternos y perinatales. Los factores preventivos asociados a un menor riesgo de desarrollar neuroblastoma son la lactancia materna y los complementos vitamínicos gestacionales. Conclusiones. La complejidad biológico-evolutiva del neuroblastoma, su rareza relativa y las dificultades de los estudios epidemiológicos constituyen los principales obstáculos para identificar con suficiente evidencia científica los factores de riesgo asociados a su desarrollo. Es necesario fomentar la investigación de los determinantes constitucionales y medioambientales implicados en su etiopatogenia. Recomendar la lactancia materna más allá de los 6 meses de edad constituye la mejor estrategia preventiva
Introduction. NB is the most frequent pediatric cancer arising in the sympathetic nervous system and represents a serious healthcare challenge because: 1) it is the most frequent neoplasm in the first decades of life; 2) it biological behavior is unpredictable (spontaneous regression, maturation to ganglioneuroma, and localized and metastasized variants); and 3) little is known about most of the risk factors involved in its etiopathogenesis. The objective of this study was to disseminate knowledge of constitutional and environmental (physical, chemical, biological and social) risk factors linked to the development of neuroblastoma (NB), with various levels of scientific evidence. To seek collaboration among pediatricians in the research project "Environment and Pediatric Cancer". Material and methods. We performed a systematic review of the literature published in the previous 25 years on risk factors for NB diagnosed in the first two decades of life, using Medline, the Science Citation Index and Embase. Search profiles were: "neuroblastoma/childhood sympathetic nervous system neoplasms and risk factors/etiology/epidemiology". The most interesting articles and the most relevant references contained therein were selected. Results. With greater or lesser scientific evidence, the following risk factors increase the risk of developing NB: genetic factors; geographic factors; ethnic factors; socioeconomic factors; infectious factors; physical factors; parental occupational exposure; gestational factors; and perinatal and maternal factors. Preventive factors associated with a lower risk of developing NB are breastfeeding and intake of vitamin supplements during pregnancy. Conclusions. The main barriers to the identification of evidence-based risk factors involved in the development of NB are its complex biology and clinical course, its relative rarity and the difficulty of performing epidemiological studies. Research on constitutional and environmental factors involved in its etiopathogenesis should be stimulated. The best preventive strategy is to recommend breastfeeding for more than 6 months
Subject(s)
Infant , Child , Adolescent , Child, Preschool , Humans , Neuroblastoma/etiology , Neuroblastoma/epidemiology , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To divulge among pediatricians therapeutic modalities against tobacco use. METHODS: Literature review of therapeutic modalities, their efficacy indications, secondary effects and scientific value. Relapse-related factors are analyzed. RESULTS: Tobacco use generates physical (nicotine) and psychological addiction. Treatment strategies should consider both aspects. Different therapies have been applied with unequal results: (1) medical information; (2) pharmacologic treatment: symptomatic drugs and nicotine; (3) therapy psychological including positive reinforcement, aversive techniques and hypnosis; (4) other modalities such as acupuncture, collective and self-obtainment. Relapses have been related to nicotine abstinence syndrome and individual, familiar, professional and social factors. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians should engage to tobacco use treatment. Proper medical information will induce patient commitment to stop smoking, aided by nicotine therapy and psychological support. Relapses should be anticipated and adequately approached. Pediatricians have at hand the best available treatment: to prevent adolescents and young adults to start smoking.