Testicular Germ Cell Tumors in Children and Adolescents Treated With Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin (BEP) Protocol: A Survival Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a diverse group of rare neoplasms that vary in location, histology, and clinical presentation. This study focuses on the clinical outcomes and survival rates of children and adolescents treated with the bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) protocol. METHODS: This observational study evaluated children under 18 years diagnosed with testicular germ cell tumors and treated with the BEP protocol from January 2008 to December 2018. We employed descriptive analysis and used the Kaplan-Meier method to calculate event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival rates. RESULTS: The study included 32 patients with an average age of 9.8 years (SD ± 6.7). The primary reason for consultation was a testicular mass. The classification of patients was E-I for 14 patients (44%) and E-III and E-IV for nine patients (28%). Endodermal sinus tumors and mixed germ cell tumors were the most commonly identified histological types. With a median follow-up of 7.8 years (95% confidence interval {CI}: 5.9-9.6), the event-free survival was 63.7%. The overall survival at a median follow-up of 9.1 years (95% CI: 7.5-10.7) was 76.1%. CONCLUSION: The BEP chemotherapy regimen offers promising results for treating testicular germ cell tumors in children and adolescents, characterized by its low toxicity and minimal late side effects. However, patients older than 11 years displayed more adverse histological indicators, advanced disease stages, and higher relapse and mortality rates.

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia pediatric patient. Case report and review of literature.

Mucormycosis is a disease caused by opportunistic fungi of the order Mucorales that generally affects immunocompromised patients or those with underlying disease. It has a high mortality rate and is the third most common invasive fungal infection. The following is a case report of a 12-year-old pediatric patient diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who presented an aggressive infectious disease two months after beginning chemotherapy, which began in the right frontal and maxillary sinuses, with subsequent progression and extension, progressively deteriorating the patient's clinical status. Culture and biopsy of the affected areas were performed, confirming by histopathology and isolation a rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis due to Actinomucor elegans. The patient was treated with specific antifungal therapy as an inpatient and left the service after obtaining negative cultures, continuing with outpatient antifungal treatment.

Raoultella ornithinolytica urinary tract infection in a pediatric patient with T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Currently, Raoultella ornithinolytica is considered an emerging pathogen of community- and hospital-acquired infection, particularly in patients with immunodeficiencies, malignancies, anatomical abnormalities, or after invasive procedures. Pediatric infections with R. ornithinolytica are exceedingly rare, with only six previously reported cases, of which only two were reported as a urinary tract infection. CASE REPORT: Here, we describe a polymicrobial urinary tract infection (R. ornithinolytica and Enterococcus faecalis) in a pediatric patient with T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which was successfully treated with ampicillin-sulbactam. CONCLUSIONS: To the extent of our knowledge, we report the seventh case in a pediatric patient and only the third case of a urinary tract infection in this age group caused by R. ornithinolytica.