The polymers are stabilized appreciably by intra-chain dispersion forces. Localization of negative charge imparts sufficient local hardness for polymerization to continue independently of chain length.
Aim
A systematic, qualitative review of the literature available on choroid plexus tumours (CPTs) in the paediatric population, published within the last 5 years.
Method
Medline and Embase databases were used to identify suitable papers, and 70 papers were eligible for inclusion. Inclusion criteria: (1) Paediatric population, (2) Choroid plexus lesions of any grade, (3) Human subjects, (4) Abstract available, (5) Author name available, (6) Abstract in English.
Results
Choroid plexus tumours are rare neuroepithelial tumours. It was found that 74% of CPTs present within the first decade of life. They have a slight male predilection, with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. The most frequent symptoms found in this study included headache, vomiting, and motor weakness. Both CT and MRI images of CPTs usually demonstrate densely enhancing, multilobulated, intraventricular masses. Choroid plexus tumours can be divided into three histological grades and have been subdivided into 3 methylation groups, which is proposed to be a more accurate classification than histological information alone. The review found that management is one of the most controversial aspects of CPT's. Treatment options include surgical resection, traditional chemotherapy, marrow ablative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, depending on the case.
Conclusions
Larger cohorts are necessary for prospective, randomised studies are needed to develop a standardised treatment for paediatric patients with CPTs and improve outcomes. As with many low incidence conditions, there appears to be a vicious cycle of low incidences and poor outcomes, which perpetuate limited research into the area alongside a clinical need for better management.
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