What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed the medical records of 630 children treated for cancer over 13 years to understand the occurrence and treatment of aseptic osteonecrosis, a serious bone complication.
What They Found
Out of 630 children with various malignancies, 9 (1.4%) developed aseptic osteonecrosis, all of whom had hematologic malignancies and received corticosteroids. Three of these patients were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) combined with iloprost, and one also received pamidronate. While conservative treatment initially alleviated symptoms in all patients, three eventually required surgery due to worsening symptoms.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian children undergoing treatment for blood cancers, particularly those receiving corticosteroids, should be closely monitored for symptoms of aseptic osteonecrosis. Early identification of this bone complication could allow for prompt interventions, including therapies like HBOT, potentially reducing the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Aseptic osteonecrosis is not a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This retrospective study involved a small number of patients with aseptic osteonecrosis (9 patients), which limits the generalizability of its findings.