Palliative and End-Of-Life Symptoms Management for Children with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma-specific symptoms in the last 12 weeks before death and to describe current palliative care. Materials & methods: A retrospective study included 80 pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma patients diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2019. Results: The most frequently encountered symptoms were headache, gait disturbance, vomiting, dysphagia, sensory loss, seizures and constipation. Steroids were used in 96% of patients with a high success rate, as well as analgesics (67.5%), antiemetics (59%), neuropathic medication (42.5%) and anticonvulsants (37.5%). Re-irradiation improved symptoms in 50% of patients. Conclusion: Steroids were efficient in managing many symptoms, with tolerated side effects. The symptomatic treatment succeeded in relieving end-of-life symptoms. Re-irradiation should be considered a good palliative tool in addition to regular symptomatic treatment.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas: First registry effort in Mexico

“…Not all hospitals have a palliative care team or end‐of‐life guidelines for pediatric patients with DIPG. There is little information about the specific needs appropriate for palliative end‐of‐life care in these patients 43,44 . Based on our findings, we presume that the use of palliative care is not uniform.…”

“…There is little information about the specific needs appropriate for palliative end-of-life care in these patients. 43,44 Based on our findings, we presume that the use of palliative care is not uniform.…”