N. Nistor, Georgiana Russu, Ingrith Miron, Irina-Mihaela Ciomaga, Cristina Jitareanu and Violeta Streanga

ABSTRACT

Recently made advances in oncology have significantly improved the prognosis of children with neoplastic disease. Improvement of survival is accompanied by an increased risk of severe complications which may require intensive care. The aim of this study is the retrospective evaluation of the frequency of comorbidities that led to the transfer of patients from hematology- oncology department to intensive care unit in a period of 3 years. The study group consisted of 54 children (aged 9 month-17 years), representing 1,2 % from all admissions in hemato-oncology department during this period. LAL was the most frequent of hematologic malignancies admitted to intensive care unit (31% of cases). Respiratory failure was the main reason for transfer (23 cases-42,5%), followed by sepsis and shock (17 cases-31,4%). Oxygen (21 cases), electrolyte balancing (9 cases) and administration of inotropic agents like dopamine and / or dobutamine (6 cases) were the main specific treatments performed in intensive care. The mortality rate recorded in this group, in the intensive care unit was 27.7%, being smaller for solid tumors. Early recognition of signs of deterioration and admission to intensive care unit in a timely manner may improve prognosis, but the decision to transfer is delicate, involving the intensivist, the oncologist, the family and the patient, when he is able to.

Key words: neoplasia, intensive care, child

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