Health status of young children during therapy for advanced neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to describe the health status experienced by young children during various phases of therapy for advanced neuroblastoma.

METHODS

Nineteen patients aged 2.00-4.99 years at the time of diagnosis of neuroblastoma (stages 3 or 4) who received active therapy between 1996 and 2000 were enrolled on the study. Their parents provided proxy assessments of their health status at a maximum of 10 assessment points during therapy using the Comprehensive Health Status Classification System for Pre-school Children (CHSCS-PS), which assesses level of function on 10 separate health domains.

RESULTS

Eighty-six assessment questionnaires were completed. Maximum morbidity was reported immediately following diagnosis and in the 2-3 weeks following bone marrow transplantation. The greatest morbidity was observed in the pain, self-care, mobility, and emotion domains.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to facing a high risk of mortality, young children being treated for advanced neuroblastoma also experience considerable morbidity.