| Heart, lung, kidney and bladder effects of brain tumour treatment | 1431.00000000000 | Heart, lung, kidney and bladder effects of brain tumour treatment | Heart, lung, kidney and bladder effects of brain tumour treatment | H | English | Neurology;Cardiology;Respiratory;Urology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Brain;Heart;Lungs;Bladder;Kidneys | Nervous system;Cardiovascular system;Respiratory system;Renal system/Urinary system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2009-08-14T04:00:00Z | | Eric Bouffet, MD, FRCPC | | | | 9.60000000000000 | 49.5000000000000 | 492.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Detailed information on how your child's kidneys and bladder may be affected by chemotherapy. Answers provided by Canadian Paediatric Hospitals.</p> | <p>Some children with brain tumours may experience long-term effects to their kidneys and bladder after chemotherapy treatment. With regular monitoring, most kidney or bladder problems can be managed and treated before more serious symptoms develop.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul><li>Brain tumour treatment can have long-term effects on the lungs, heart, kidneys and bladder.</li>
<li>Some chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can have a negative impact on these parts of the body.</li>
<li>Your child will need regular monitoring to ensure proper lung, heart, kidney and bladder functions.</li></ul> | <h2>Lungs</h2>
<p>Lung problems can occur as a result of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some chemotherapy agents can affect the lungs, particularly the drug <a href="/Article?contentid=86&language=English">bleomycin</a> and the group of drugs called nitrosoureas (this includes the drugs CCNU and BCNU). </p>
<p>Radiation to the spine can also reduce lung capacity. Patients with a spinal cord tumour can also develop severe scoliosis which can affect lung development and cause chronic respiratory problems. </p>
<p>Doctors are aware of these risks and will follow-up with regular pulmonary function tests if needed. </p>
<h2>Heart</h2>
<p>Although rare, heart problems can occur after brain tumour treatment. They may be related to direct damage to the heart by drugs such as <a href="/Article?contentid=113&language=English">cyclophosphamide</a> or by radiation. Heart problems can also arise as a result of hypertension. Children with brain tumours are at risk for hypertension for several reasons such as their increased risk of obesity. Children who have received radiation to the spine may also be at risk for heart problems. </p>
<p>Children who are at risk for heart problems should have regular cardiac tests during follow-up. </p>
<h2>Kidneys and bladder</h2>
<p>The kidneys and bladder may be affected by chemotherapy. Usually there are no physical symptoms at first. Any problems with kidney function are detected in urine and blood tests. Treatment is then recommended to prevent further problems. If it is left untreated, some symptoms may appear, such as tiredness, swelling of the hands or feet, and sometimes around the eyes, back pain, changes in appetite, changes in urination, or high blood pressure. </p>
<h2>What causes this?</h2>
<p>Certain chemotherapy drugs affect the kidneys or bladder. They include <a href="/Article?contentid=102&language=English">cisplatin</a> and carpoplatin, <a href="/Article?contentid=155&language=English">ifosfamide</a>, and <a href="/Article?contentid=113&language=English">cyclophosphamide</a>.</p>
<h2>How will this be screened?</h2>
<p>During clinic visits, urine and blood tests will show whether the kidneys or bladder are working properly. In the blood, levels of a variety of salts, protein components, minerals, and sugar will be checked. Blood pressure will also be checked. </p>
<h2>What can be done?</h2>
<p>If too much <a href="/Article?contentid=179&language=English">magnesium</a> is lost in the urine, a high magnesium diet may be recommended. If problems with the kidneys occur, your child may need to be referred to a nephrologist, a doctor who treats kidney diseases </p>
<h2>How will this affect your child’s future?</h2>
<p>With regular monitoring, most kidney or bladder problems can be managed and treated before more serious symptoms develop.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Heart, lung, kidney and bladder effects of brain tumour treatment | | False | | | | | |
