Wilson's Disease Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Wilson's Disease, including details on treatment, causes, symptoms, medication. | ||||||||
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Team management, twinning, and telemedicine in retinoblastoma: a 3-tier approach implemented in the first eye salvage program in Jordan.Qaddoumi I, Nawaiseh I, Mehyar M, Razzouk B, Haik BG, Kharma S, Jaradat I, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Wilson MW Department of Pediatric Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC), Amman, Jordan. ibrahim.qaddoumi@stjude.org BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the outcome of retinoblastoma patients, when employing a telemedicine-based twinning program in Jordan. PROCEDURE: This cohort study included patients at the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC; Amman, Jordan) who received consultations for retinoblastoma from March 2003 to September 2006. A collaborative program was established with the International Outreach Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Cases were discussed using an Internet consultation service where fundus images, clinical history, and proposed treatment were reviewed. Selected cases were further discussed via videoconferencing and electronic mail. RESULTS: Thirty-three children with retinoblastoma (20 bilateral) were treated at KHCC. The median age at diagnosis was 7 months for patients with bilateral retinoblastoma and 35 months for patients with unilateral retinoblastoma. Of the 20 patients with bilateral disease, 12 were newly diagnosed and 8 had received prior treatment. Our success in the bilateral cases was most evident in the previously untreated group, in which only six eyes (25%) were enucleated and four eyes (17%) were irradiated. Of the 13 patients with unilateral retinoblastoma, 12 underwent enucleation, and 6 required radiation. Neither group experienced mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Twinning has positively impacted survival and ocular salvage in Jordan. By partnering a team of professionals with mentors willing to provide close supervision, the highly specialized management of retinoblastoma can be successfully implemented in a developing country. Published 12 June 2008 in Pediatr Blood Cancer, 51(2): 241-4.
© 2005-2008 Wilson's Disease Research Today. All Rights Reserved. |
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