The association of hepatoblastoma, prematurity and cerebral palsy: Case reports

Jessica R. Pruente, Dawn E. Deike*, Barbara Lockart, Deborah Gaebler-Spira

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary liver tumor in children and has a greater incidence in children with a history of prematurity and very low birth weight. To increase awareness of the association between prematurity and hepatoblastoma for health care providers who treat children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), we present two case reports. METHODS: Two case reports of premature, very low birth weight infants with hepatoblastoma are described and a literature review of hepatoblastoma in the setting of prematurity and cerebral palsy is performed. RESULTS: Each patient had a history of 26-28 week prematurity, very low birth weight, and CP. Both presented with worsening constipation and abdominal distension that did not respond to oral medications. Appropriate referrals to the ER were made which lead to a diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. Pediatric rehabilitation was a source of referral for diagnosis in one patient and aided in the rehabilitation course following treatment for both patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary liver tumor in children and has an increased incidence in children with a history of prematurity and very low birth weight. Providers who frequently care for the very low birth weight and premature children with CP should be aware of this correlation and include hepatoblastoma in the differential when managing patients with suddenly worsening constipation or abdominal distension. Pediatric physiatrists and other providers for these patients could be a source of referrals and diagnosis leading to timely treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)185-188
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Cerebral palsy
  • birth premature
  • congenital cerebral palsy
  • hepatoblastoma
  • infant very low birth weight
  • prematurity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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