A case of neuroblastoma treated with the support of a Child Consultation Center owing to parental refusal for blood transfusion

Abstract

Blood transfusion is an important adjuvant therapy in treating high-risk neuroblastoma. Before a child can receive a blood transfusion, informed consent must be obtained from a parental authority. If consent is refused for irrational reasons, a court order for cessation of custody can be requested; however, this action causes communication difficulties with the parental authority. This is clearly an undesirable environment for the treatment of a patient with neuroblastoma. An 18-month-old male with high-risk neuroblastoma was admitted to our hospital. His parents refused a blood transfusion for religious reasons. In cooperation with the Child Consultation Center of our hospital, we obtained temporary trust protection rather than a cessation of custody order. Consent for the transfusion was granted by the head of the Child Consultation Center, and no request was made for cessation of custody, enabling the safe treatment of the neuroblastoma while maintaining a good relationship with the patient’s parents.