Reasons for referring pediatric cancer outpatients for Physical Therapy.

A descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: to describe the characteristics and reasons for consultation to the Physical Therapy Service in oncological outpatients of a pediatric hospital in the city of Buenos Aires.

Materials and Method: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study that included cancer outpatients below the age of 18 referred to the physical therapy service between February 2016 and December 2018. Investigators gathered data on demographic variables, medical treatments, reasons for referrals (limb salvage, muscle weakness, neuropathy, extravasation of cytostatic, post-operative motor dysfunction), among others.

Results: Of 1497 cancer patients, 17.3% were referred for physical therapy with a prevalent diagnosis of a central nervous tumor. 115 (44.4%), were referred for the treatment of neurological impairments, 42 (5.8%) after orthopedic surgery, and 29 (39.8%) for other reasons. The prevalent clinical presentations were acquired weakness due to prolonged immobility and range of motion limitations.

Conclusions: An epidemiological picture was formed of the pediatric cancer patients who required motor rehabilitation during the three years of the study. Most of them have been diagnosed with central nervous tumors. The prevalent reasons for referrals were reduced range of motion and muscle weakness.