Melanoma in children

Article Abstract:

Melanoma in children is just as deadly as it is in adults. Two percent of all melanomas occur in children and teenagers. Several skin conditions confer a high risk of melanoma, including congenital melanoma, dysplastic nevus syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum and immune disorders. All abnormal pigmented skin lesions in children should be biopsied and removed if malignant. The immune system chemical interleukin-2 has enhanced immune activity against tumors in adults. Researchers are testing interleukin-2 in children. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes is another promising technique because these white blood cells can target tumor cells. Gene therapy can be used to introduce genes such as that for tumor necrosis factor into tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Several chemotherapy treatments have been tested in children with melanoma. Some studies have revealed that children may be more sensitive to combination chemotherapy. Nevertheless, early diagnosis and prompt surgical removal remains the most effective treatment.

Author: Mihm, Martin C., Jr., Ceballos, Patricia I., Ruiz-Maldonado, Ramon
Care and treatment, Melanoma

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Neurologic complications in children with enterovirus 71 infection

Article Abstract:

The most common neurologic complication in the enterovirus 71 outbreak in Taiwan in 1998 was a condition called rhombencephalitis. This is an inflammation of the brain stem. In a study of 41 children affected by the virus, 37 had rhombencephalitis. Five died within 12 hours of admission to a hospital. A follow-up of five children who survived showed that they had persistent neurologic disorders.

Author: Huang, Chao-Ching, Wang, Shan-Tair, Chang, Ying-Chao, Liu, Ching-Chuan, Chen, Cheng-Yu, Yeh, Tsu-Fuh
Statistical Data Included, Prognosis, Enterovirus diseases, Enterovirus infections

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Croup- the bark is better than the bite

Article Abstract:

The term croup denotes an anatomical location, a cause, and a pathologic entity suggesting a wider spectrum of infections, viral and bacterial, much as "pneumonia". Even mild croup can be frightening disease for a parent to watch a small child helplessly wracked by a strange, harsh cough that gets worst in the night.

Author: Klass, Perri
Analysis, Croup

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Subjects list: Pediatric diseases, Children, Diseases
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