Use of thalidomide in the management of three HIV seroreactive children with Kaposi's Sarcoma referred for palliative care

Abstract

This is a description of three teenage children who were referred to Umodzi Paediatric Palliative Care service at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in addition to HIV infection. These cases demonstrate the holistic approach of palliative care, addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of patient care. They are also examples of very sick children who have responded well to antiretrovirals (ART) and thalidomide and show the effectiveness of good symptom control on quality of life.

Malawi Medical Journal Vol. 20 (4) 2008: pp. 143-146