We are the combination of four hospitals: the General Hospital, the Children’s Hospital, the Women’s Hospital and the Traumatology, Rehabilitation and Burns Hospital. We are part of the Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus: a world-leading health park where healthcare plays a crucial role.
Patients are the centre and the core of our system. We are professionals committed to quality care and our organizational structure breaks down the traditional boundaries between departments and professional groups, with an exclusive model of knowledge areas.
Would you like to know what your stay at Vall d'Hebron will be like? Here you will find all the information.
The commitment of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital to innovation allows us to be at the forefront of medicine, providing first class care adapted to the changing needs of each patient.
When a childhood cancer patient is discharged, it is important that their environment and family receive comprehensive health education about the daily activities and care required, especially those related to diet and hygiene. Likewise, they should pay attention to the patient’s general condition and consult their primary physician in case of any doubts or changes in their health status.
Use an FFP3 mask when entering the hospital or areas at risk of infection. Risk areas include enclosed public spaces such as cinemas, public transport, restaurants, swimming pools, etc., as well as construction or excavation sites.
Clean the home with diluted bleach (20 ml of bleach per 1 l of water).
Patients may attend school when authorized by their doctor.
A high number of visitors at home on the same day.
Contact with people who have flu-like symptoms or other viral illnesses.
Contact with animals (if there is a pet at home, consult the risks with the doctor).
Indoor plants.
Having the patient in the room while vacuuming.
Food can transmit infections due to improper handling or storage. To prevent this, the following precautions should be taken:
Some foods may carry bacteria or fungi, so they should be temporarily avoided.
During the first few days, raw vegetables and salad are not recommended. After the first medical visit, and if approved, the doctor will indicate the necessary precautions.
General dietary recommendations
It is important to drink an adequate amount of fluids, especially water.
If taking corticosteroids, avoid excessive salt (to prevent edema) and excessive sugar.
Special recommendations in case of diarrhea
Skin hygiene and care
Oral hygiene
Other care
Exercise should always be within the patient’s capabilities.
Physical activity should be moderate: walking, stretching, passive exercises, stationary cycling, and exercises that improve flexibility.
Espacio de Colors Vall d’Hebron
Nens amb càncer. Federació Espanyola de Pares
Associació de Pares de Nens amb Càncer
Associació de Familiars i Amics de Nens Oncològics
Fundació Enriqueta Villavecchia
Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common childhood cancer. In Spain, around 300 new cases are diagnosed each year, accounting for approximately one third of all paediatric malignant tumours.
In this disease, there is an uncontrolled proliferation of immature white blood cells, known as blasts, which accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the normal production of blood cells. These malignant cells can enter the bloodstream and infiltrate other organs.
There are two main types of leukaemia:
Acute myeloid leukaemia, which affects the myeloid cell line from which red blood cells, platelets and other white blood cells (neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) derive.
The most common symptoms at diagnosis are related to the accumulation of blasts in the bone marrow:
Less common but characteristic symptoms may include testicular enlargement, neurological symptoms or skin lesions.
The disease usually presents as a subacute condition over days or weeks, with initially non-specific symptoms that may resemble those of other, more common illnesses. If these symptoms persist or worsen, leukaemia should be considered as a possible cause.
The diagnostic process usually begins with a blood test, which may reveal abnormalities in white blood cell, haemoglobin and/or platelet levels. In some cases, leukaemic cells can be identified under the microscope.
The diagnosis is confirmed by bone marrow aspiration and analysis of the collected cells.
Additional tests may be carried out to assess involvement of other organs, including X-rays, ultrasound scans, echocardiography, eye examinations and blood tests.
The aim of treatment is to eliminate leukaemic cells and prevent relapse.
The Paediatric Oncology and Haematology team at Vall d’Hebron selects the most appropriate treatment for each child based on the type of leukaemia, age, genetic characteristics of the leukaemic cells and response to treatment.
Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and is usually administered intravenously, often via an implanted port (port-a-cath). Intrathecal chemotherapy is required because many drugs do not cross the blood–brain barrier.
In recent years, new treatments such as precision medicine and immunotherapy, including monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cell therapy, have shown excellent results. Some are now being incorporated into first-line treatment protocols. Vall d’Hebron offers access to a range of molecular and cellular therapy clinical trials.
The prognosis of acute childhood leukaemia has improved significantly. Five-year survival rates in Spain are now around 87 %.
However, 15–20 % of children experience relapse, often requiring more intensive treatment and, in many cases, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. New therapies continue to improve outcomes in this group.
There is currently no known way to prevent childhood leukaemia. Although certain conditions increase susceptibility, the exact cause remains unknown. Environmental factors and viral infections have been investigated, but no clear evidence has been established.
Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Children's Hospital and Woman's Hospital
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