OUTCOMES AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN PEDIATRIC HEPATOBLASTOMA: A THREE-YEAR STUDY

Abstract

Background: Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary malignant liver tumor in children, accounting for 50-60% of pediatric liver cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and outcomes of pediatric hepatoblastoma over a three-year period to refine therapeutic approaches and improve patient survival and quality of life. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and outcomes of pediatric hepatoblastoma over a three-year. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from June 2017 to June 2020. It included 22 pediatric hepatoblastoma patients, with data collected from medical records on demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes. Outcome measures included overall survival, event-free survival, recurrence, and complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: In 22 pediatric hepatoblastoma patients, median age was 1.5 years, with male predominance (54.5%). Most presented with abdominal mass (77.3%). PRETEXT I was common (63.6%); median AFP was 400,000 ng/mL. All received chemotherapy (72.7% neoadjuvant); 90.9% underwent surgery (72.7% complete resection). Three-year survival was 85.0%; recurrence was 18.0% (mostly lung metastases). Postoperative complications included respiratory issues (9.0%). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, multimodal treatment, and vigilant postoperative care in achieving favorable outcomes for pediatric hepatoblastoma, despite challenges such as recurrence and complications.