Diagnostic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in the Greek Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Units: Report from the Infection Working Group of the Hellenic Society of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology.

An audit based on a specific questionnaire was attempted, in order to investigate the mycology laboratory diagnostic capacity for invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in Greek Paediatric Haematology-Oncology departments/units. The study provided the relevant information for the years 2019 and 2020 and included data from all units, concerning culture-based methods and direct microscopy, phenotypic and molecular identification, sensitivity testing, serology and molecular diagnosis, as well as therapeutic drug monitoring. The target was mostly to reveal the level of laboratory coverage for hospitalised paediatric patients, independently of the possibility of performing the tests in the host hospital, or otherwise to refer the specimens elsewhere. In total, the current study demonstrated that the most important facilities and services regarding the IFD diagnostics for paediatric haematology-oncology patients in Greece are available and relatively easily accessible, with a reasonable turnaround time. Acting as an initial registry for further improvements, the audit can serve as a valuable approach to the actual situation and future perspectives. A national clinical mycology network under the auspices of the relevant scientific societies will probably facilitate collaboration between all the departments (clinical and laboratory) involved in invasive fungal infections and provide an easier approach to any necessary test for any hospitalised patient.

Evaluating cancer related fatigue during treatment according to children's, adolescents' and parents' perspectives in a sample of Greek young patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer related fatigue in children and adolescents has received limited clinical attention. The aim of the study is to assess the change in fatigue scores during cancer treatment according to children's, adolescents' and parents' perspectives and to describe the possible causes of fatigue from children's, adolescents' and parents' view. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 40 children aged 7-12 years old, 29 adolescents aged 13-15 years old with cancer and one of their parents. Three measurements were performed for the evaluation of cancer related fatigue. Three versions of the instrument for the assessment of fatigue in pediatric patients with cancer were used: "The Child Fatigue Scale" (CFS), "The Adolescent Fatigue Scale" (AFS) and "The Parent Fatigue Scale" (PFS). The survey was performed from March 2003 till October 2006. RESULTS: Children (F=6.85, p=0.00), adolescents (F=4.15, p=0.03) and parents (F=3.98, p=0.02) reported a statistically significant increase in fatigue scores during their treatment. The hospital environment was assessed as the most contributing factor of fatigue by the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer treatment was found significantly to increase children's fatigue levels. Medical procedures and the hospital environment seemed to be major causative factors of the fatigue experienced by young patients with cancer during their treatment.