Catheter fragment embolization: a rare yet serious complication of catheter use in pediatric oncology.

Embolization is a rare but serious complication of venous central catheters in pediatric oncology. The reported cases in the literature are due in common to catheter ruptures. The most common cause is constant compression of the costoclavicular arch, known as "pinch-off" syndrome. We report a seven-year-old boy in whom embolization occurred as a late complication. Difficulty in the dissection of dense collagen periportal fibrosis was the main problem during the extraction session. The embolization occurred 10 months later. In an elective setting, percutaneous retrieval techniques were used successfully to extract the catheter fragments, and full recovery was achieved.

Novel agents for the treatment of childhood leukemia: an update.

Achieving lower morbidity and higher survival rates in the treatment of childhood leukemia has been a paradigm of success in modern oncology. However, serious long-term health complications occur in very large populations of childhood leukemia survivors, in the case of both acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Additionally, 15% of acute lymphoid leukemia patients have treatment failures, and rates are even higher in childhood AML. In the last few decades, as a result of well-tested experiments that statistically analyzed treatment cohorts, new agents have emerged as alternatives or supplements to established treatments, in which high survival and/or less morbidity were observed. This review provides an overview of better practice in the treatment of childhood leukemia.

Circumcision in a combined factor V and factor VIII deficiency using desmopressin (DDAVP).

Combined factor V and VIII deficiency is a rare inherited autosomal recessive single gene disorder commonly seen in the Middle East. Although the factor levels are between 5-30%, several authors have reported that these patients are more prone to bleeding compared to those having an isolated factor deficiency with the same levels. We report an eight-year-old boy with factor V and VIII deficiency who underwent a successful circumcision using desmopressin (DDAVP).