Urban green spaces and childhood leukemia incidence: A population-based case-control study in Madrid.

BACKGROUND: Childhood leukemia is the most common childhood cancer. To date, few risk factors related to predisposition have been identified; therefore, new hypotheses should be considered. OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible relationship of residential proximity to urban green spaces on childhood leukemia. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case control study in the metropolitan area of Madrid from 2000 to 2015. It included 383 incident cases and 1935 controls, individually matched by birth year, sex and area of residence. Using the geographical coordinates of the participants' home residences, we built a proxy for exposure with four distances (250 m, 500 m, 750 m and 1 km) to urban parks (UPs) and urban wooded areas (UWAs). We employed logistic regression models to determinate the effect of them on childhood leukemia adjusting for environmental and socio-demographic covariates. RESULTS: we found a reduction in childhood leukemia incidence at a distance of 250 m from UPs (OR = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.62-0.98), as well as a reduction of the incidence in the Q3 and Q4 quintiles for exposure to UWAs, in the 250 m and 500 m buffers respectively (Q3 (250 m): OR = 0.69; 95%CI = 0.48-1.00; and, Q4 (500 m): OR = 0.69; 95%CI = 0.48-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a possible association between lower incidence of childhood leukemia and proximity to different forms of urban green space. This study is a first approach to the possible urban green space effects on childhood leukemia so is necessary to continue studying this spaces taking into account more individual data and other environmental risk factors.

[The association of adherence to a Mediterranean diet during early pregnancy and the risk of gastroschisis in the offspring]. / Asociación de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea al inicio del embarazo y riesgo de gastrosquisis en la descendencia: un estudio de casos-controles.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to study the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in early pregnancy maternal and the offspring's risk of gastroschisis. METHODS: Case-control study. We describe 11 cases of gastroschisis in the region of Murcia from 2007 to 2012 and 34 concurrent controls. At the time of diagnosis each of the cases completed a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 98 items on the periconceptional diet. Confounding factors: smoking, exposure to cannabis / marihuana, age of the parents, BMI, income and educational level. We conducted a descriptive and multivariate logistic regression statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mothers of children with gastroschisis were younger (20.8 years, 95% CI 17.3 to 24.2) and their diet consisted of less caloric intake, saturated fat and monounsaturated fats and proteins than controls. The Odds Ratio (OR) in the multivariate model controlling for confounding factors: maternal age (year) 0.70 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.96), monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, g) 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 to 0, 97) and vegetable intake (rations/week) 0.70 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00). CONCLUSION: A maternal diet rich in oleic acid and vegetable products may prevent vascular risk of onphalomesenteric arteries reducing the risk of gastroschisis.

[Long-term renal function in Wilms tumor survivors]. / Función renal a largo plazo en supervivientes de tumor de Wilms.

OBJETIVE: To evaluate long-term renal function and morbimortality in non-syndromic Wilms tumor (WT) survivors. METHODS: Retrospective study about WT patients treated in 1993-2017, according to SIOP protocols. Mortality, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), prevalence of hypertension and requirement of dialysis and renal transplant were evaluated. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as GFR <90 ml/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS: Thirty-nine children were treated in the 25 analyzed years. Median time of follow-up was 6 years (0.5-21 years). 48% (19 patients) debuted with stage I or II. Four cases had high-grade histo-logy. Mortality rate was 10%. GFR data were found in 37 patients. Chronic kidney disease (grade I-II) turned up in 6 patients (16%). No patient required renal replacement therapy or renal transplant. 16% of patients developed CKD in both unilateral and bilateral WT, (p>0.05); OR 1.04 (IC 95% 0.09-10.9). Identical results were obtained comparing patients treated with or without radiotherapy (16%). Children with stage I-III had CKD in 11% vs. 40% of patients with stage IV (p=0.12); OR 5.3 (IC 95% 0.61-45). None of them presented hypertension in addition. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study the prevalence of CKD was low but not negligible, although no patients required renal replacement therapy or renal transplant. Bilateral renal involvement and radiotherapy were not associated with CKD development. Metastatic disease determines a higher risk of CKD.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la función renal y la morbimortalidad a largo plazo, en supervivientes de tumor de Wilms (TW) no sindrómico. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con TW entre 1993-2017 tratados según protocolos SIOP. Evaluamos mortalidad, filtrado glomerular (FG), prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (HTA), necesidad de diálisis y trasplante renal. Se definió enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) como FG <90 ml/min/1,73 m2. RESULTADOS: En los 25 años analizados se trataron 39 pacientes con edad media diagnóstica de 3,6 años (0,3-11 años). Mediana de seguimiento 6 años (0,5-21 años). El 48% (19 pacientes) debutaron con estadio I o II. Cuatro pacientes presentaron histología de alto riesgo (10%). La mortalidad fue del 10%. El 16% (6 pacientes) desarrolló ERC (grados I-II). Ningún paciente precisó terapia renal sustitutoria (TRS) o trasplante. La presencia de ERC tanto en enfermedad unilateral como bilateral fue del 16%, p>0,05; OR 1,04 (IC 95% 0,09-10,9). Se obtuvieron idénticos resultados (16%) comparando pacientes que recibieron radioterapia frente a aquellos que no. Los pacientes en estadio I, II y III presentaron una prevalencia de ERC del 11% vs. 40% en estadio IV (p=0,12); OR 5,3 (IC 95% 0,61-45). Ningún paciente asoció HTA crónica. CONCLUSIONES: En el presente estudio la prevalencia de ERC en supervivientes de TW no sindrómico es baja pero no desdeñable, aunque ninguno precisó trasplante renal o TRS. La presencia de enfermedad bilateral y la radioterapia no se asociaron al desarrollo de ERC. La enfermedad metastásica condiciona un riesgo mayor de ERC.

[Risks factors for pediatric malignant liver tumors]. / Factores de riesgo para los tumores hepáticos malignos pediátricos.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric Hepatic Malignancies (PHMs) are the result of the interaction between constitutional and environmental risk factors (RFs). We review the evidence on the main RFs associated to PHMs. METHOD: Systematic review of the literature published in the last 25 years on Medline, Embase, Cancerlit, Lilacs and SciElo using the following key words: "etiology/risk factor/epidemiology" and "malignant liver tumors/hepatic cancer" or "hepatoblastoma/hepatocarcionoma". RESULTS: PHMs account for 1 % of all pediatric malignancies. The main types, hepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocarcionma (HCC) make up 98-99 % of PHM. The main constitutional RFs are: a) Beckwith-Wiedemann (BW) syndrome; b) isolated hemihyperplasia syndrome (IHS); c) adenomatous polyps of the colon; d) hemochromatosis; e) Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1; f) a -1-antitrypsin deficiency; g) porphyrias; h) cirrhosis; i) nonalcoholic steatosis; and j) primary sclerosing cholangitis. The main environmental RFs are: a) hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV); b) B1 aflatoxin (B1AF); c) ionizing radiation; d) alcohol; e) hormonal treatments; f) occupational exposure to pesticides, solvents, vinyl chloride and metals; g) smoking; h) arsenic; i) prematury and very low birth weight; and j) trematodes. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical, analytical and ultrasound screening facilitate the early diagnosis of HB in the previously mentioned genetic syndromes, particularly BW and IHS during the first years of life. HBV universal vaccination of newborns provides the biggest opportunity to prevent a substantial proportion of PHMs. Also systematic monitoring of HBV and HCV in blood, hemoderivates, donated organs and drug addicts, are very useful. Other effective measures are: the reduction/elimination of B(1)AF in food, zero alcohol intake during childhood and adolescence as well decreasing prenatal exposure to the tobacco, solvents, pesticides, vinyl chloride, metals, ionizing radiation and hormonal treatments.

[Neonatal tumours and congenital malformations]. / Tumores neonatales y malformaciones congénitas.

INTRODUCTION: The association between pediatric cancer and congenital abnormalities is well known but, there is no exclusive data on the neonatal period and the underlying etiopathogenic mechanisms are unknown. OBJECTIVES: First, to analyze the frequency of neonatal tumours associated with congenital abnormalities; and second, to comment on the likely etiopathogenic hypotheses of a relationship between neonatal tumours and congenital abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Historical series of neonatal tumours from La Fe University Children's Hospital in Valencia (Spain), from January 1990 to December 1999. Histological varieties of neonatal tumours and associated congenital abnormalities were described. A systematic review of the last 25 years was carried out using Medline, Cancerlit, Index Citation Science and Embase. The search profile used was the combination of "neonatal/congenital-tumors/cancer/neoplasms" and "congenital malformations/birth defects". RESULTS: 72 neonatal tumours were identified (2.8% of all pediatric cancers diagnosed in our hospital) and in 15 cases (20.8%) there was some associated malformation, disease or syndrome. The association between congenital abnormalities and neonatal tumours were: a) angiomas in three patients: two patients with congenital heart disease with a choanal stenosis, laryngomalacia; b) neuroblastomas in two patients: horseshoe kidney with vertebral anomalies and other with congenital heart disease; c) teratomas in two patients: one with cleft palate with vertebral anomalies and other with metatarsal varus; d) one tumour of the central nervous system with Bochdaleck hernia; e) heart tumours in four patients with tuberous sclerosis; f) acute leukaemia in one patient with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease; g) kidney tumour in one case with triventricular hydrocephaly, and h) adrenocortical tumour: hemihypertrophy. The publications included the tumours diagnosed in different pediatric periods and without unified criteria to classify the congenital abnormalities. Little data exist on the neonatal period and the majority are from medical institutions registers. The prevalence varies from 15 to 31.6%. To explain this association, the hypotheses are based on prenatal exposures (preconceptional and transplacental exposure), to mutagenic and carcinogenic risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal tumours are more often associated to congenital abnormalities than other pediatric cancers. The inclusion and classification criteria needs to be unified to better understand the association between the neonatal tumours and congenital abnormalities. The environmental history in all neonatal tumours associated to congenital abnormalities, including the constitutional and environmental risk factors, will help to improve our knowledge of the underlying prenatal mechanisms and to an advance in its prevention.

[Malama project in the Region of Murcia (Spain): environment and breastfeeding]. / Proyecto Malama en la Región de Murcia (España): medio ambiente y lactancia materna.

OBJECTIVES: To identify protective factors and risk factors for the initiation and length of breastfeeding and full breastfeeding, in the Region of Murcia (Spain). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Malama study (Medio Ambiente y Lactancia Materna) is a follow up study from birth up to years of 1,000 mother-child pairs. A description of breastfeeding practices are presented here, the survival curve of breastfeeding and a Cox regression model of the pilot study that includes 101 mother-child pairs and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: After six months the prevalence of breastfeeding was 35 %. The mean duration of full breastfeeding was 63 days (median 45 days) with six months prevalence of 8 %. Hazard ratios (HR) for full breastfeeding were, to be a smoker (1.89; 95 % CI: 1.18-3.02), older than 35 years of age (2.04; 95 % CI: 1.22-3.42), caesarean birth (1.63; 95 % CI: 1.00-2.66). As well as those previously mentioned risks for breastfeeding, there were also hazard ratios for primary school education or less (1.63; 95 % CI: 0.98-2.82); to have breastfed an earlier child for at least 16 weeks (0.33; 95 % CI: 0.13-0.79), and to be the first birth (0.50; 95 % CI: 0.27-0.95). The length of both breastfeeding and full breastfeeding increased with the length of the maternal leave (0.96; 95 % CI: 0.94-0.99). Pregestational occupational exposure to endocrine disruptors did not seem to interfere with the duration of breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve quality and duration of breastfeeding programmes, paediatric research and training on breastfeeding practice should be encouraged, to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections, promote tobacco cessation, focus human and economic resources to women with less education, and include legal mechanisms to ensure longer maternal leave.

[Risk factors associated with neonatal tumors. Experience of a pediatric environmental health specialty unit in Valencia (Spain)]. / Factores de riesgo asociados a los tumores neonatales. Experiencia de una unidad de salud medioambiental pediátrica (PEHSU-Valencia).

BACKGROUND: Neonatal tumors (NT) result from a variable combination of constitutional and environmental determinants. Multiple risk factors (RF) are involved in their development, although most are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To document the constitutional, environmental, preconceptional and transplacental RF associated with the development of NT with greater or lesser scientific evidence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated known RF in NT diagnosed at La Fe University Children's Hospital from January 1990 to December 1999, using a questionnaire completed by parents in a personal interview, either at the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU-Valencia) or at their home. RF associated with NT and childhood cancer were identified through a literature review of the last 25 years through Medline, Cancerlit, Science Citation Index, and Embase. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed in 59 of 74 NT diagnosed during the period studied. All patients were Caucasians born in Spain. Constitutional-genetic factors were identified in 13.6 %: dominant hereditary syndromes in 5 (familial retinoblastoma in 1 and tuberous sclerosis in 4), and non-hereditary chromosomal syndromes in 3 (trisomy 21). Notable environmental factors were: a) ionizing radiation: preconceptional exposure in 32.2 % and in utero exposure in 6.8 %; b) non-ionizing radiation; 54.2 % reported preconceptional exposure and in utero exposure at home; c) pregnancy-related problems: infections in 13.6 % (8 patients) and a prior history of miscarriage in 20.3 %; d) drugs/chemicals administered during pregnancy: capillary dye in 42.4 %, daily facial make-up in 45.8 %, antacids in 30.5 %, acetaminophen in 34 %, hormone therapy in 10 %, cocaine and marijuana consumption in 11.7 %; e) tobacco: exposure to active smoking in 93.2 % of patients; f) alcohol: in utero exposure in 6.8 %; g) occupational exposure in parents: paternal in 49 % of cases (hydrocarbons in 15, metal in 3, chemical in 2, timber in 2, and agriculture in 7). Four were exposed to pesticides, 3 to solvents, and 3 to paints; and maternal in 12 cases (20 %): low frequency non-ionizing radiation in 6 (textile in 5, and railway in 1), 5 in the service sector (2 hairdressers, 3 cleaners), and 1 the in chemical industry. In another 6 there was exposure to solvents and paints (footwear industry). CONCLUSIONS: The hypotheses formulated in this observational study, which should be analyzed in future case-control and cohort studies, are: a) to scientifically document genetic-constitutional RF in the etiopathogenesis of NT; b) to determine the frequency and etiology of prior miscarriage and its possible association with NT; c) to determine the importance of active smoking before and during pregnancy as a RF for NT; d) to establish the importance of parental occupational exposure in the etiopathogenesis of NT; and e) to define more precisely the role of other physical and chemical RF in the development of NT. To determine and record the RF involved in the etiopathogenesis of NT, the environmental history should be documented in pediatric cancers. The identification of RF is one of the main objectives of Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units.

[Neonatal tumors: clinical and therapeutic characteristics. Analysis of 72 patients in La Fe University Children's Hospital in Valencia (Spain)]. / Tumores neonatales: características clínicas y terapéuticas. Análisis de 72 casos del hospital infantil La Fe de Valencia.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal tumors, which represent only 1.5-2% of all pediatric tumors, have distinctive features. Their incidence is imprecise, as selection criteria vary and there are few published studies. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and disseminate findings on the histological, clinical, therapeutic and follow-up characteristics of neonatal tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of the clinical records of patients diagnosed with neonatal tumors in La Fe University Children's Hospital in Valencia (Spain) between January 1990 and December 1999. Hamartomas, flat and cavernous cutaneous hemangiomas, nevi, lipomas, subcutaneous fibroma, lymphangiomas, and epidermal cysts were excluded. A systematic review of the literature published in the previous 25 years was performed using Medline, Cancerlit, Index Citation Science, and Embase. The search profile combined neonatal or congenital and tumor or cancer or neoplasm. The most interesting studies, as well as the most relevant references contained in these studies and published before the search period, were selected. RESULTS: The clinical records of 72 patients with neonatal tumors (40 boys and 32 girls), representing 2.8% of all pediatric tumors, were reviewed. The most frequent tumors were hemangiomas (20.8%, 15 patients), neuroblastomas (16.7%, 12 patients), teratomas (12.5 %, 9 patients), and soft tissue tumors (9.7 %, 7 patients). Eighty-six percent of the patients were symptomatic during the first week of life. Although diagnosis was prenatal in 22.2 % of the patients, the most frequent findings on physical examination were identification of a mass or cutaneous lesion in 24 patients (33.3%) and an abdominal mass or hepatomegaly in 13 patients (18%). An associated disease, malformation or syndrome was found in 15 patients (20.8 %). Treatment included surgery (50% of patients) and drugs as monotherapy or coadjuvant therapy (13.9%). Thirteen patients received irradiation after the neonatal period. Spontaneous complete remission took place in six patients. Twenty patients died (27.8%). Mortality was highest in patients with central nervous system tumors or leukemias (83.3% and 75 % respectively). By contrast, none of the patients with hemangiomas or teratomas died. Mortality was low in patients with neuroblastoma (8.3%). At the time of the study, survival was 73 %, with a median follow-up of 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Due to their biological features, neonatal tumors represent a distinctive subgroup in pediatric oncohematology. The concept of neonatal tumor should be unified to allow the results of different research groups to be analyzed and compared. Despite the methodological limitations found, the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and follow-up characteristics of our patients are similar to those of other published series. The differences found could be explained by the diverse selection criteria employed.

[Analysis of small areas of pediatric cancer in the municipality of Murcia (Spain)]. / Análisis en áreas pequeñas del cáncer pediátrico en el municipio de Murcia.

INTRODUCTION: Occasionally, primary care pediatricians notice the presence of small clusters of pediatric cancer (PC), but are often frustrated by the findings after statistical analysis. The study of small areas in spatial epidemiology has led to advances in identifying clusters and the environmental risk factors involved. The purpose of this study was to describe the PC incidence and the spatial distribution at the minimum level of disaggregation possible in Murcia, presenting the first urban municipality map of PC in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based descriptive study was conducted on the PC cases diagnosed in children younger than 15 years, between 1998 and 2013 in the municipality of Murcia. Cases were classified by sex, age group, and tumor type. Coordinates of home addresses at the time of diagnosis were assigned to each case, and spatial and spatio-temporal analyses were carried out at the level of census tracts, using FleXScan and SatScan. RESULTS: A total of 155 cases of PC were diagnosed during this period. The overall incidence of PC (138/10(6) of children under the age of 15) and the incidence for individual tumor types were within the expected ranges for Europe. A spatio-temporal cluster of Hodgkin lymphoma was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Small area analysis of PC cases may be a useful tool for the identification of PC clusters, which would allow for the generation of hypotheses regarding disease etiology, as well as developing urban models for environmental surveillance of PC.

[Pediatric environmental health specialty units in Europe: from theory to practice]. / Unidades de salud medioambiental pediátrica en Europa: de la teoría a la acción.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization encourages the development of strategies to identify, increase awareness and solve problems of Pediatric Environmental Health (PEH) in units and centers of excellence. Pediatricians are in an excellent position to identify children at environmental risk, advise parents about the best way to reduce or prevent these risks, and recommend changes in health policies to politicians. OBJECTIVE: To inform pediatricians about the underlying principles and activities of pediatric environmental health specialty units (PEHSU) in Spain and Europe. To analyze up-to-date knowledge and the steps required for the development of PEH in Spain and Europe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of the strategies, initiatives and examples of useful practices for national and international organizations involved in the development and implementation of PEH. Report of activities of PEHSUs. RESULTS: In Spain and Europe pediatricians do not receive training in PEH. PEHSUs are centers specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of environmentally-related diseases. These centers are composed of multidisciplinary teams of health and other professionals, coordinated by pediatricians specialized in PEH, that have the study of environment-related pediatric problems as a common denominator. The activity of these units emphasizes teaching, research, scientific activity, the development of environmental history in pediatrics, diagnosis and treatment of the "pediatric environmental wound", assessment of risks in pediatrics, and specialization in the critical review of the literature on PEH to train pediatricians to be experts in environmental health. The activities and fields of PEHSU can be summarized as: medical care, training, research, and community health (school health). CONCLUSIONS: PEH should be considered by Ministries of Health and Pediatrics Associations as an important emergent area for current and future generations of pediatricians. Thus, it is necessary: a) to develop an integral plan for pediatric training in PEH; b) to actively seek funding and support to increase the presence of PEHSUs in Europe, and c) to create expert committees in PEH in National Associations of Pediatrics in Europe.

[Risk factors for neuroblastoma]. / Factores de riesgo para el neuroblastoma.

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.

[Risk factors for pediatric malignant bone tumors]. / Factores de riesgo para los tumores óseos malignos pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is the result of the interaction of two kinds of determinants: genetic (endogenous) and environmental (exogenous). In the last few decades, pediatric oncology as a whole has progressed, including knowledge of malignant osseous tumors (MOT). Although advances have been made in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, little progress has taken place in our knowledge of the risk factors involved in their etiopathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: This review has three objectives: a) to provide an update on MOT-related risk factors in the child and adult population; b) to disseminate knowledge of the main MOT-related risk factors among our colleagues in order to promote research into these factors, diagnosis and future prevention, and c) to request help from our colleagues in the Environment and Pediatric Cancer research project. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature published in the last 30 years on risk factors implicated in the etiopathogenesis of MOT, using Medline, Cancerlit, Science Citation Index and Embase. The search profiles used were: pediatric/childhood malignant bone tumors, pediatric/ childhood bone cancer/neoplasm, osteosarcoma/bone sarcoma/Ewing's sarcoma and risk factors/etiology/epidemiology. The most interesting articles were selected and the most relevant references contained therein were retrieved. RESULTS: MOT represent 6-7 % of all pediatric neoplasms. The most frequent types are osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing's sarcoma (ES), representing 56 % and 34 % respectively. OS-related risk factors are the following: a) previous osseous disease (Paget's disease); b) familial-genetic factors (hereditary retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Rothmund-Thompson syndrome, Bloom syndrome, familial OS, Diamond-Blackfan anemia); c) chemical factors (antineoplastic drugs); d) physical factors (ionizing radiation); e) biologic factors; f) parental occupation, and g) other factors (artificial osseous implants and traumatisms). ES-related risk factors are the following: a) ethnic-cultural (Caucasian race); b) genetic factors; c) parental occupation (herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer exposure); d) maternal obstetric history, and e) other factors (parental smoking and inguinal hernia). CONCLUSIONS: Most causes of MOT are unknown. Based on different levels of scientific evidence, the main factors implicated in the etiopathogenesis of OS are: Paget's disease, hereditary retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, antineoplastic drugs, and ionizing radiation. The main factors related to ES are: Caucasian race, parental occupation, parental smoking, and surgery for inguinal hernia. The main obstacles to greater knowledge of MOT-related factors are: a) their multiple origin; b) the low prevalence in the population; c) lack of environmental health training in pediatrics, and d) the low public and private investment in this research field.

[Long-term follow up of childhood cancer survivors in the Murcia Region: preferences and attitudes of Primary Care professionals]. / Programa de largo seguimiento de supervivientes de cáncer pediátrico en la Región de Murcia: preferencias y actitudes de los profesionales de Atención Primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To assess attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of primary medical care professionals as regards the follow-up of Childhood Cancer Survivors (CCS) and the introduction of a Long-Term Follow-Up Program for Childhood Cancer Survivors in the Region of Murcia (PLASESCAP-MUR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. These questionnaires were sent to all primary medical care professionals in Murcia Health District 1. RESULTS: Response rate of 58% (100/172), with 71% and 22% being family physicians and pediatricians, respectively, of whom 49% provided medical care to a CCS in the last 5 years, with 84% reporting that they never or rarely received a detailed report of overall assessment of the survivor. More than 75% found that access to detailed follow-up information was quite or very useful; 95% prefer to consult experts when providing medical care to survivors, and 80% believe that improving the quality of the environment may decrease the morbidity and mortality of the survivors. A statistically significant relationship was found between the length of practicing medicine and the perception of the importance of environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: It seems to be important to increase the training of primary care professionals for the long-term follow-up of CCS, as well as having the detailed information through a personalized long-term follow-up of each survivor. PLASESCAP-MUR offers an integrated follow-up to CCS in a model of shared care between Long Term Monitoring Units and Primary Care Units.

[Environment and pediatric cancer]. / Medio ambiente y cáncer pediátrico.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the final result of the variable combination of two determinants: endogenous or constitutional factors and exogenous or environmental factors. Between 85 % and 96 % of pediatric cancers (PC) are probably associated with environmental risk factors (RF), most of which have not been identified. The spectacular progress made in survival in PC contrasts with the lack of knowledge of the RF implicated in its etiopathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: 1) To analyze up-to-date knowledge of the interaction among environmental RF in the etiopathogenesis of PC, and 2) to inform pediatricians of the "Environment and Pediatric Cancer" research project directed by the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit of the Hospital Infantil Universitari La Fe in Valencia (Spain). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Current medical records focus almost exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The Pediatric Environmental Medical Record will contain the validated items required to document and presence or absence of endogenous and exogenous RF associated with PC described in the literature, as well as the main human cancerogenic agents identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the US National Toxicology Program. RESULTS: The project aims to determine the frequency of endogenous and exogenous RF associated with PC in Spain. This project will enable hypotheses to be formulated for future epidemiologic case-control and cohort studies in Spain and other European countries, thus stimulating the introduction of educational and preventive policies in the Spanish population. CONCLUSIONS: The project requires the aid of all hospital and non-hospital pediatricians involved in pediatric cancer in informing parents and offering them the possibility of voluntarily collaborating in the "Environment and Pediatric Cancer" project by contacting the Pediatric Health Specialty Unit (Unidad de Salud Medioambiental del Hospital Infantil La Fe de Valencia [www.pehsu.org]). The collaboration of our colleagues will be essential in gaining greater insight into the RF associated with PC and in achieving prevention in the medium and long term.

[Chemical pollution and breast milk: Taking positions]. / Contaminantes químicos y lactancia materna: tomando posiciones.

Chemical pollution affects all ecosystems of our planet. Human milk has been used as a biomarker of environmental pollution as, due to bioaccumulation processes in fat tissue, many chemical compounds reach measurable concentrations that can be readily tested in breast milk. Quite frequently information about the presence of contaminants in breast milk appears in the media, leading to misunderstanding among parents and health professionals, and in some cases breastfeeding the child is stopped. In this article, the Breastfeeding Committee of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics stresses the importance of promoting breastfeeding as the healthiest option, because its benefits clearly outweigh any health risks associated with chemical contaminants in breast milk. Breast milk contains protective factors that counteract the potential effects related to prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants. This article summarises the key recommendations to reduce the level of chemical contaminants in breast milk. It also highlights the importance of government involvement in the development of programs to eliminate or reduce chemical contamination of food and the environment. In this way, the negative effects on child health resulting from exposure to these toxic compounds through the placenta and breast milk may be prevented.

[Dietetic factors associated with prostate cancer: protective effects of Mediterranean diet]. / Factores dietéticos asociados al cáncer de próstata. Beneficios de la dieta mediterránea.

OBJECTIVE: To review diet risk factors (RF) implied, more or less evidence-based, in the etiopathology of prostate carcinoma (PC), especially those that characterize the traditional Mediterranean diet (MD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature review of PC related diet RF in MedLine, CancerLit, Science Citation Index y Embase. Search profiles were "Dietetic Factors/Nutritional Factors/Mediterranean Diet/Primary Prevention", and "Prostate Cancer". RESULTS: Diet RF are associated with 35% of cancer mortality and 10-12% of PC mortality. The main diet RF, implied in the development of PC but with a protective effect, which are considered characteristic of MD are: high daily ingestion of vegetarian products (cereals, legumes, dried and fresh fruits, tubers, vegetables..); olive oil as main lipid source; low intake of animal saturated fat, processed red meat, milk and dairy products; regular consumption of small fish; and low alcohol intake (wine with meals). The MD contains many phytoactive compounds (lycopene, lupeol, quercetin, genistein, carnosol, resveratrol, catechins, vitamins..) with PC protective effects. CONCLUSIONS: Diet RF have a role on prostatic carcinogenesis. Further epidemiologic studies with better designs are needed to clarify PC related diet RF. PC risk is reduced in persons on MD compared with those on Western diet. The preventive effect of MD is due to the great number and quality of phytochemicals with antioxidant and antinflammatory properties that contains.

[Environment and paediatric cancer in the Region of Murcia (Spain): integrating clinical and environmental history in a geographic information system]. / Medio ambiente y cáncer pediátrico en la Región de Murcia (España): integrando la historia clínica medioambiental en un sistema de información geográfica.

INTRODUCTION: Environment and Paediatric Cancer (PC) in the Region of Murcia (RM) is an on-going research project that has the following aims: to collect a careful paediatric environmental history (PEH) and to use geographical information systems (GIS) to map the incidence and analyze the geographic distribution of the PC incidence in the RM. The objectives are to present the methodology used for the collection and processing of data and disseminate initial results on the spatial and temporal incidence of PC in the RM (Spain). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive and georeference study of all PC cases under 15 years, diagnosed from 1 January 1998 to December 31, 2009. Three postal addresses were assigned to each case, residence during pregnancy, postnatal, and at the time of diagnosis. Other variables such as sex, date of birth, date of diagnosis, and histopathology classification were collected. RESULTS: No increase was observed in the trend of incidence of PC. The crude annual incidence rate was 14.3 cases per 100,000 children under 15 years. The standardised incidence ratio was higher in the north-west of the RM. Before diagnosis, 30% of cases had a different postal address than during the pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating the spatial and temporal information through the PEH in a GIS should allow the identification and study of space-time clusters through an environmental monitoring system in order to know the importance of associated risk factors.