ABSTRACT
We report on two patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who developed reversible, short-lived neurological deficit following intrathecal (i.t.) chemotherapy. One patient received i.t. methotrexate for treatment of meningeal disease, and the other received i.t. methotrexate with cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) and hydrocortisone as central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis. Although transient paresis following i.t. chemotherapy has previously been reported, it has been attributed to the preservatives contained in the diluents. Our two patients, however, received preservative-free solutions.
Subject(s)
Cytarabine/adverse effects , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/drug therapy , Methotrexate/adverse effects , Paralysis/chemically induced , Adult , Cytarabine/administration & dosage , Female , Humans , Injections, Spinal/adverse effects , Male , Methotrexate/administration & dosage , Preservatives, Pharmaceutical/adverse effectsABSTRACT
A 9 month old boy presented with acute respiratory distress and was found to have a left pleural effusion. The chylous nature of the effusion, multiple bony lytic lesions, and splenic cysts lead to the diagnosis of congenital lymphangiomatosis with chylothorax. Surgical intervention including pleurectomy was required after unsuccessful conservative management.
Subject(s)
Bone Neoplasms/complications , Chylothorax/etiology , Lymphangioma/complications , Chylothorax/therapy , Drainage , Humans , Infant , Male , Pleural Effusion/etiologyABSTRACT
A study was carried out in which patients were asked questions to assess their knowledge of their condition and treatment, the questions relating particularly to care before siting an intravenous infusion and preoperative care. A high proportion of patients knew little about the procedure they were about to undergo. It is recommended that patients should be told more about matters relating to their condition and treatment. Written information could be given to supplement that given verbally by staff. A check list might be drawn up to ensure that patients receive all relevant information.
