Chemotherapy as a therapeutic option for congenital neuroblastoma complicated by paraplegia.
BACKGROUND
Spinal compression can be a complication of neuroblastoma (NBL). Delayed or insufficient treatment of this condition may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. Therefore, appropriate treatment should be introduced promptly. Therapeutic options include neurosurgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.


METHODS
We report on a newborn male with congenital NBL who presented with complete paraplegia of the legs at birth. Tumor size diminished quickly and neurological symptoms partly recovered after the patient received chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, doxorubicine, and cyclophosphamide.


CONCLUSIONS
Rapid initiation of chemotherapy was safe and effective in a neonate with NBL complicated by spinal cord compression.
Walter
K N
KN
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Freiburg. kerstin.walter@uniklinikfreiburg.de
Kratz
C
C
Uhl
M
M
Niemeyer
C
C
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000151:congenital* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000151:congenital* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D014750:Vincristine; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide