[Acute diencephalic disorders following removal of tumors of the chiasmatic-diencephalic area from children].

An analysis of the early postoperative course after tumour removal from the chiasmal-diencephalic area in 156 children aged 2 to 16 years is presented. Acute diencephalic disorders developed after the operation in half the children: in 53--as single diencephalic disorders and in 25--as an acute diencephalic syndrome which was more hazardous. To prevent acute diencephalic disorders glucocorticoid hormones were administered to the patients before and 7 days after the operation; mild hypothermia was applied during the operation and superficial (in some patients) during first three postoperative days; the normal level of temperature was artificially maintained when it tended to hyperthermia. In cases of the acute diencephalic syndrome the complex treatment included antihyperthermal, glucocorticoid, dehydrational and sedative therapy; a sufficient circulatory blood volume and water and electrolytic balance were maintained. In cases of single diencephalic disorders the treatment was conducted depending on the revealing of this or that symptom. The treatment was effective in 78% of patients with single diencephalic disorders and in 30%--with the acute diencephalic syndrome. No effect was mainly connected with hard irreversible organic injuries in the diencephalic area and the brain as a whole.