Concomitant Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage and Pulmonary Embolism in a Child with Isolated Pulmonary Capillaritis

Lung disease manifestations in Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most prevalent chromosomal abnormalities worldwide, affecting 1 in 700 live births. Although multiple organ systems are affected by the chromosomal defects, respiratory failure and lung disease are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality observed in DS. Manifestations of DS in the respiratory system encompass the entire lung starting from the nasopharynx to the trachea/upper airways to the lower airways and alveolar spaces, as well as vascular and lymphatic defects. Most of our knowledge on respiratory illness in persons with DS arises from pediatric studies; however, many of these disorders present early in infancy, supporting developmental mechanisms. In this review, we will focus on the different lung phenotypes in DS, as well as the genetic and molecular pathways that may be contributing to these complications during development.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in children with trisomy 21

BACKGROUND

Respiratory conditions are the leading cause of hospitalization and death in children with Trisomy 21 (T21). Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) occurs at higher frequency in children with T21; yet, it is not widely studied nor is there a standardized approach to diagnosis or management. The objective of this study was to identify children with T21 and DAH in order to understand contributing factors and identify opportunities to improve outcomes. We identified 5 children with T21 at a single institution with histology-proven DAH over 10 years and discuss their presentation, evaluation, management, and outcomes. We also reviewed the cases in the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

Patient 1 died at age seven due to secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. DAH was seen on autopsy. Patient 2 was a three-year-old with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosed with DAH after presenting for hypoxia. Patient 3 was diagnosed with DAH at age nine after presenting with recurrent suspected pneumonia and aspiration. Patient 4 was diagnosed with DAH at age eight after presenting with pallor and fatigue. She had additional ICU admissions for DAH with infections. Patient 5 developed hemoptysis at age three and had recurrent DAH for 10 years. Four patients responded positively to immune-modulation such as intravenous immunoglobulin, glucocorticoids, and rituximab. Of the 19 patients identified in the literature, only one was from the United States. The majority had anemia, respiratory distress, autoantibodies, and recurrences. Very few patients had hemoptysis. Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis was the most common diagnosis. Almost all received glucocorticoids with or without additional immunosuppression. The majority of our patients and those in the literature had positive auto-antibodies such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anti-nuclear antigen antibodies. Diagnostic clues included respiratory distress, hypoxia, anemia, recurrent pneumonia, and/or ground glass opacities on imaging. We identified four contributors to DAH: structural lung abnormalities, pulmonary arterial hypertension, infection/aspiration, and autoimmune disease/immune dysregulation.

CONCLUSION

These cases demonstrate the need for an increased index of suspicion for DAH in children with T21, particularly given the low frequency of hemoptysis at presentation, enrich the understanding of risk factors, and highlight the favorable response to immunosuppressive therapies in this vulnerable population.

Successful Induction Treatment With Rituximab of Isolated Pauci-Immune Pulmonary Capillaritis Presenting as Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in a Pediatric Patient

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage often presents as dyspnea, cough, or hemoptysis, and it is mediated by both immune and nonimmune processes. Isolated pauci-immune capillaritis (IPPC) is a rare diagnosis in which capillaritis, small-vessel vasculitis of the lung, is found on biopsy in the absence of an underlying systemic disorder. Traditionally, IPPC has been treated similarly to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis with cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids. However, few cases describing management options are available in the literature, especially among pediatric patients. Our report of successful induction of remission in an adolescent girl suggests that the combination of IV rituximab and pulse methylprednisolone may be a viable option for disease control in pediatric patients with IPPC.

Pulmonary embolism and diffuse alveolar bleeding: combination options and therapy features

The analysis of the mechanisms of the formation of a rare clinical combination of pulmonary embolism (PE) and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), which are complications of systemic vasculitis associated with antibodies to the cytoplasm of neutrophils (primarily granulomatosis with polyangiitis), systemic lupus erythematosus and secondary antiphlogistic syndrome primary antiphospholipid syndrome and Goodpastures syndrome. Taking into account the chronological sequence of the occurrence of PE and DAH, 3 variants of the onset of these potentially fatal additions to the underlying disease were considered: the anticipatory DAH development of PE, delayed from DAH PE and joint (within 24 hours) formation of PE and DAH. A review of single descriptions of such a combination of complications of granulomatosis with polyangiitis is carried out, criteria are indicated, a working classification of severity is given and, taking this into account, a modern program of therapy for DAH as an independent event and in combination with PE.

Acute pulmonary embolism in a child with ANCA-negative Idiopathic Pulmonary Capillaritis

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is an uncommon and often fatal condition in children that is characterized by distinct histopathological etiologies. Herein, we discuss the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with acute worsening of hypoxia and left-sided chest pain. The patient had lung biopsy-proven idiopathic pulmonary capillaritis and was being treated with prednisolone every alternate day, azathioprine, and hydroxychloroquine. A contrast-computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed an acute left lower-lobe pulmonary embolism. Negative results were obtained on a test for thrombophilia. In children, pulmonary embolism with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative idiopathic pulmonary capillaritis is a rare clinical condition. The exact cause of thrombus formation in this case is unknown; however, obesity, immobility, and chronic systemic corticosteroid therapy probably played a role.