Abdominal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Children
摘要
This study examines the clinical and biochemical characteristics of abdominal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in children, based on 17 cases managed at the Natalia Gheorghiu National Scientific and Practical Center of Pediatric Surgery. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in children are aggressive malignancies often located in the abdomen, with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and intestinal obstruction. Most affected patients were boys from rural areas, aged between 5 and 10 years. Diagnosis relied on a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI), and laboratory markers (e.g., TNF-α, LDH, ferritin), with significant variations observed in protein metabolism, cytokine profiles (TNF-α, IL-4), and endotoxicosis markers (MMM, SN). While TNF-α showed persistently elevated levels across all stages, IL-4 remained within normal limits. Surgery was required in all cases, often involving intestinal or omental resections. Postoperative biochemical fluctuations reflected tumor burden and systemic inflammatory response. The study underscores the importance of early imaging and biomarker analysis for timely diagnosis and intervention. Despite its aggressive nature, abdominal NHL in children responds well to combined surgical and chemotherapeutic approaches, though prognosis may vary with age, immunological status, and tumor subtype. The findings reinforce the necessity for heightened clinical vigilance in pediatric patients presenting with acute abdominal symptoms to prevent delayed diagnosis and complications such as tumor lysis syndrome.