Psychosocial Effects of Transfusion-Related HIV Infection in Pediatric Cancer Patients

Abstract

The diagnosis of transfusion-induced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infcction in five pediatric patients at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute had a widespread and powerful psychosocial effect. The authors discuss the widespread and powerful psychosocial effects of these diagnoses on HIV infected patients with and without symptoms, on patients still at risk, on paLients' families, and on members of the health care team. The helplessness everyone experienced as a result of these diagnoses evoked memories of pediatric cancer treatment in a bygone era and stimulated reflection on the assumptions, motivations, and satisfactions of caregivers in a pediatric oncology setting. We hope our suggestions for limiting anxiety and maximizing open communication will be useful to others who may confront IIIV-associated illness in pediatric oncology clinics and hospitals.