Postrelapse Prognostic Factors in Nonmetastatic Osteosarcoma: A Single-institution Experience.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prognostic factors that influence postrelapse survival (PRS) in children and adolescents with initial localized high-grade osteosarcoma. METHODS/PATIENTS: This is a retrospective evaluation of patients aged 21 years and below with nonmetastatic high-grade osteosarcoma treated at our institution from 1985 to 2011 who developed recurrent disease after achievement of an initial complete response (CR). PRS and postrelapse event-free survival (PREFS) analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine which variables were independently prognostic. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included. Median age at primary diagnosis was 13.7 years (range, 1.9 to 21.0 y). Median time to first relapse was 16 months (range, 3 to 36 mo). Fourteen patients achieved a second CR (CR2) after surgery±chemotherapy treatment. The 5-year PRS and PREFS were both 26% (95% confidence interval, 14%-49%), with a median follow-up of 99 months (range, 27 to 271 mo). Multivariate analysis showed that achievement of CR2 (P<0.001) and histologic response to first-line treatment (P=0.02) were significantly associated with PRS, whereas time to first relapse did not retain univariate significance. CONCLUSIONS: Achievement of CR2 and histologic response to preoperative first-line treatment are independent survival prognostic factors in osteosarcoma recurrence.

Improper Use of a Plant-Based Vitamin C-Deficient Beverage Causes Scurvy in an Infant.

Scurvy is a rare disease in developed countries. Risk groups include children with restricted diets, mainly patients who are autistic or have cerebral palsy. Furthermore, consumption of plant-based beverages has increased in recent years, especially in developed countries. When plant-based beverages are the exclusive diet in the first year of life and not consumed as a supplement to formula or breastfeeding, it can result in severe nutritional problems. We report a case of scurvy after exclusive intake of almond beverages and almond flour from 2.5 to 11.0 months of life. The patient was referred for pathologic fractures of the femur, irritability, and failure to thrive. He had typical radiologic signs of scurvy, such as osteopenia, cortical thinning, Wimberger ring, Frankel line, fracture, and periosteal reaction. Moreover, his plasmatic vitamin C level was very low. The child was diagnosed with scurvy and was started on vitamin C replacement therapy at a dose of 300 mg per day. Over the following 3 months, his general condition, the pain in the legs, and the radiologic features improved; the plasmatic vitamin C level was normalized; and the child started walking. In summary, this case demonstrates that scurvy is a new and severe complication of improper use of almond drinks in the first year of life. Manufacturers should indicate that these beverages are inappropriate for infants who consume a vitamin C-deficient diet.