β-Herpesviruses in Febrile Children with Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Yee-Guardino Stephanie, Gowans Kate, Yen-Lieberman Belinda, Berk Pamela, Kohn Debra, Wang Fu-Zhang, Danziger-Isakov Lara, Sabella Camille, Worley Sarah, Pellett Philip E., Goldfarb Johanna
Primary Institution: Cleveland Clinic
Hypothesis
Is there sufficient viral activity of β-herpesviruses in febrile pediatric oncology patients to warrant clinical consideration?
Conclusion
Cytomegalovirus and HHV-6B should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile disease in children with cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- One (3.3%) of 30 cancer patients and 3 (33%) of 9 organ recipients were PCR positive for cytomegalovirus.
- Four (13%) of 30 cancer patients and 3 (33%) of 9 transplant recipients had human herpesvirus 6B DNAemia.
- Detection of HHV-6B was more common within 6 months of initiation of immune suppression.
Takeaway
Doctors found that some sick kids with cancer had viruses that could make them even sicker, so they need to check for these viruses when kids have a fever.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted on febrile pediatric oncology patients and solid-organ transplant recipients, collecting blood specimens and clinical data.
Potential Biases
The study may not have captured all possible viral infections due to limited testing.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to assess the temporality of the virologic burden in relation to disease.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 30 children with cancer and 9 solid-organ transplant recipients, with a mean age of 6.1 years for cancer patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.050
Statistical Significance
p = 0.050
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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