小児脳腫瘍治療後の認知機能障害とその対応

Neurocognitive Impairments after Pediatric Brain Tumor Treatment

Point

・小児脳腫瘍治療後は認知機能障害を呈しやすく，認知機能障害は社会的状況および心理的状態に影響することがある．

・認知機能障害を認めた際には，基礎疾患鑑別のために，頭部画像検査，脳波検査，内分泌機能の評価を行う．

・認知機能障害は治療の遠隔期に顕在化することが多く，継続的なフォローが必要である．

　With improved cure rates for pediatric brain tumors, attention has increasingly turned to enhancing quality of life after treatment. Children with brain tumors commonly develop cognitive impairment due to the combined effects of the tumor itself, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical treatment, hydrocephalus, neurological complications, and predisposing factors. Patients undergoing pediatric brain tumor treatment are prone to localized cognitive deficits and generalized brain dysfunction, such as intellectual decline and fatigue. Difficulties arising from cognitive impairment often emerge during the late phase of treatment, thereby necessitating ongoing assessment. It is important to promote patient independence while recognizing developmental stages and prevent secondary impairments through appropriate assessment and support.