Factors associated with delayed diagnosis among Filipino pediatric brain tumor patients: a retrospective review

Abstract

Aim: Determine delayed diagnosis measured by prediagnostic symptomatic interval (PSI) among Filipino pediatric brain tumor patients and identify associated factors. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively on Philippine General Hospital pediatric brain tumor patients from 2015 to 2019. PSI was calculated. Associated factors were determined. Results: 196 patients were included. Median PSI was 80.5 days. Longer PSI was significantly associated with older age, supratentorial and low-grade tumors, more physician consults prior to subspecialist referral, longer interval from neuroimaging request to facilitation, and those presenting with seizures (11-month delay), poor school performance (1-year delay), behavioral changes (1.3-year delay) and secondary amenorrhea (3-year delay). Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis among Filipino brain tumor patients is associated with age, tumor characteristics and symptoms that are uncommon in this condition. Awareness of these symptoms through physician education, close monitoring of patients, early subspecialist referral and better neuroimaging access may lead to earlier diagnosis.