Purpose
Increasing incidence of pediatric brain tumors and improving survival rates encouraged us to assess long-term functional outcome
of patients with cerebellar juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA).
Materials and methods
Our study encompassed 105 children treated since 1980–2005 and consisted in analysis of mailed, custom-designed questionnaires.
Results
Mean follow-up time was 8.3 years. Sixty out of 104 patients presented permanent neurological deficits and 47/104 presented
significant behavioral disorders. Eighty-nine children continued their education at primary, secondary or high school level.
Most patients and their parents were satisfied with treatment outcome. Patients’ and parents’ notes were usually concordant.
Conclusions
Long-term functional treatment outcome of cerebellar JPA is relatively favorable, in spite of permanent neurological deficits
and emotional disorders in over half of the patients. Vermian tumors are associated with worse long-term functional outcome.
Neurological deficits and emotional disorders do not preclude further education and independent functioning.
Keywords Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma - Long-term treatment outcome - Children