A single-center retrospective review of pediatric cases of progressive transformation of germinal centers.

BACKGROUND: Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is a rare diagnosis characterized by asymptomatic lymph node enlargement. It has previously been associated with lymphoma, autoimmune conditions, and lymphoproliferative diseases in small pediatric case series. PROCEDURES: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of pediatric cases of PTGC diagnosed at our institution by hematopathologists from 2000 to 2020. RESULTS: We identified 57 primary cases and three recurrent cases of PTGC. Laboratory and imaging evaluations were obtained inconsistently. Nine patients (16%) saw a pediatric hematology/oncology (PHO) specialist prior to diagnosis, and 21 (37%) had follow-up with PHO after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PTGC had similar age and involved lymph node sites to those from previous case series. Fewer patients underwent recurrent lymph node biopsy than previously described. PTGC has been linked to certain types of lymphoma, although never definitively associated with lymphoma. Follow-up with a PHO provider is indicated to ensure that close surveillance is performed.

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology workforce, productivity, and fellowship assessment: Current state of the workforce.

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology conducted follow-up workforce surveys in 2017 and 2021 as well as a Pediatric Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program Directors Survey in 2020 to provide an updated review of the current workforce. We provide a comprehensive review and analysis of these results with the goal to provide better understanding of the current landscape in pediatric hematology oncology.

Characteristics and outcomes of pediatric oncology patients at risk for guardians declining transfusion of blood components.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of blood products is a necessary part of successful delivery of myelosuppressive regimens in pediatric cancer. There is a paucity of literature characterizing outcomes or management of pediatric patients with cancer when transfusion is declined. AIMS: The objective of this paper is to describe the clinical characteristics, care, and outcomes of patients with cancer at risk for declining transfusion. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort of patients aged 0-21 years with cancer managed at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta between 2006 and 2020 and with ICD-9 codes indicating risk of "transfusion refusal" or Jehovah's witness (JW) religion was identified. Demographics, disease, and management were abstracted. Descriptive statistics were performed to examine associations with transfusion receipt. Among 35 eligible patients identified as at risk for declining transfusion, 89% had primary guardians who identified as JW, and 45.7% identified as Black, non-Hispanic. Only 40% of guardians actively declined transfusion. Transfusion recipients had significantly lower hemoglobin (g/dl) and platelet counts (1000/µl) at initial presentation (9.6 vs. 11.9, p < .002 and 116.0 vs. 406.5, p = .001, respectively) and at nadir (5.9 vs. 8.7, p < .001 and ≤ 10 vs. 154, p < .001, respectively) than non-recipients. Legal intervention was required in 36.4% of those who ultimately received a transfusion. CONCLUSION: Among pediatric cancer patients whose medical record initially indicated a preference for no transfusion, 60% of guardians accepted blood products when prescribed for oncology care. Guidelines for systematic management and transfusion sparing approaches are needed to honor guardian's preferences when possible yet while maintaining equitable cancer outcomes in this population.