Long-term clinical course of patients with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (1979-1994): prolonged survival with low-dose corticosteroid therapy

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by recurrent episodes of pulmonary symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, and dyspnea. Our study consisted of 23 patients: 12 males and 11 females with IPH. The diagnosis was based on history, presence of anemia, and characteristic chest X-ray, and was confirmed by showing macrophages laden with hemosiderin in gastric washings or bronchoalveolar lavage and/or open lung biopsy. All but one patient were diagnosed in our department between 1979-1994. There was a history of multiple blood transfusions for anemia in 10 patients. Consanguinity between parents was noted in 11 patients. Severe pallor, cough, hemoptysis, and hepatomegaly were the most common findings on physical examination. All but 2 patients had hypochromic microcytic anemia of varying severity. In 12 children, moderate reticulocytosis was noted. Corticosteroids were administered with doses ranging from 5 mg every other day to 2 mg/kg/day depending on the severity of the episodes (duration of disease from 2-14 years). It is our impression that patients with IPH, benefit from long-term steroid treatment which in turn results in a milder course. Long-term low-dose steroid treatment appeared to prevent crises and assured a prolonged survival.

Effects of claritromycin on inflammatory parameters and clinical conditions in children with bronchiectasis1

BACKGROUND

The effects of the macrolides cannot be ascribed to their antibacterial action alone. Their immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory functions are significant too. They are frequently used in the treatment of diffuse panbronchiolitis and cystic fibrosis (CF).

AIM

To evaluate the effects of a macrolide antibiotic [clarithromycin (CAM)] on the process of inflammation [by measuring IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-10 levels and cell profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid], pulmonary function and sputum production in children with steady-state bronchiectasis, secondary to causes other than CF or primary immunodeficiencies.

METHODS

Seventeen patients randomized to the treatment group received CAM and supportive therapies for 3 months and 17 patients in the control group were given supportive therapies only.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed a significant decrease in IL-8 levels, total cell count, neutrophil ratios in BAL fluid and daily sputum production at the end of the third month. There was also a significant increase in the treatment group's BAL fluid macrophage ratios. The differences in pulmonary function test parameters were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Use of CAM in children with steady-state bronchiectasis results in laboratory improvement by reducing the inflammatory processes in the lungs. No corresponding clinical improvement could be shown but although this is possible with long-term use, trial validation is necessary.

International management platform for children's interstitial lung disease (chILD-EU)

BACKGROUND

Children's interstitial lung diseases (chILD) cover many rare entities, frequently not diagnosed or studied in detail. There is a great need for specialised advice and for internationally agreed subclassification of entities collected in a register.Our objective was to implement an international management platform with independent multidisciplinary review of cases at presentation for long-term follow-up and to test if this would allow for more accurate diagnosis. Also, quality and reproducibility of a diagnostic subclassification system were assessed using a collection of 25 complex chILD cases.

METHODS

A web-based chILD management platform with a registry and biobank was successfully designed and implemented.

RESULTS

Over a 3-year period, 575 patients were included for observation spanning a wide spectrum of chILD. In 346 patients, multidisciplinary reviews were completed by teams at five international sites (Munich 51%, London 12%, Hannover 31%, Ankara 1% and Paris 5%). In 13%, the diagnosis reached by the referring team was not confirmed by peer review. Among these, the diagnosis initially given was wrong (27%), imprecise (50%) or significant information was added (23%).The ability of nine expert clinicians to subcategorise the final diagnosis into the chILD-EU register classification had an overall exact inter-rater agreement of 59% on first assessment and after training, 64%. Only 10% of the 'wrong' answers resulted in allocation to an incorrect category. Subcategorisation proved useful but training is needed for optimal implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown that chILD-EU has generated a platform to help the clinical assessment of chILD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Results, NCT02852928.

High resolution CT in children with cystic fibrosis: correlation with pulmonary functions and radiographic scores

OBJECTIVE

To compare the high resolution CT (HRCT) scores of the Bhalla system with pulmonary function tests and radiographic and clinical points of the Shwachman-Kulczycki clinical scoring system.

METHODS

HRCT of the chest was obtained in 40 children to assess the role of HRCT in evaluating bronchopulmonary pathology in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The HRCT severity scores of the Bhalla system were compared with chest radiographic and clinical points of the Shwachman-Kulczycki scoring system and pulmonary function tests. Only 14 of the patients older than 6 years cooperated with spirometry.

RESULTS

HRCT scores correlated well with radiographic points (r = 0.80, P<0.0001) and clinical points (r=0.67. P<0.0001) of the Shwachman-Kulczycki system, FVC (r = 0.71 P = 0.004) and FEV1 (r = 0.66, P = 0.01). Although radiographic points correlated significantly with FVC (r = 0.61, P = 0.02) and FEV1 (r = 0.56, P = 0.04), HRCT provides a more precise scoring than the chest X-ray.

CONCLUSION

The HRCT scoring system may provide a sensitive method of monitoring pulmonary disease status and may replace the radiographic scoring in the Shwachman-Kulczycki system. It may be helpful especially in follow-up of small children too young to cooperate with spirometry.

Postinfectious Bronchiolitis obliterans in Children: Clinical and Radiological Profile and Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND

Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) designates a clinical syndrome of chronic airflow obstruction associated with inflammatory changes in the small airways.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the etiology, clinical and radiological features and define prognostic factors of postinfectious BO in children.

METHODS

We undertook a review of the medical records of 20 children with postinfectious BO, who were followed up between January 1994 and August 2001.

RESULTS

Postinfectious BO was diagnosed in 11 boys and 9 girls with a median age of 21.5 months (6-69 months) who were followed up for a median of 23 months. Cough and wheezing persisted since the initial lung infection in all patients. Postinfectious BO was diagnosed in an average of 6 months (1-42 months) after the acute illness. Adenoviruses were the most common etiologic agents identified serologically. The diagnoses of postinfectious BO was made by thoracic high-resolution computed tomography and clinical features. Corticosteroid therapy was used in 17 patients and supportive treatment was applied in all patients. Age at initial lung infection, gender, time of starting corticosteroid treatment, presence of bronchiectasis or atelectasis and etiologic agents identified on presentation did not predict severity in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the prominent role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of postinfectious BO, the use of anti-inflammatory agents remains controversial. We could not identify any prognostic factors related to disease severity. In order to minimize associated complications, patients with postinfectious BO should be closely followed up and receive meticulous lung care.

A comparison of respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, activities of daily living and physical fitness in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy subjects

There are limited reports that compare muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, activities of daily living (ADL) and parameters of physical fitness of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with healthy peers in the literature. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, ADL and physical fitness in patients with CF and healthy subjects. Nineteen patients with CF (mean forced expiratory volume in one second-FEV1: 86.56±18.36%) and 20 healthy subjects were included in this study. Respiratory (maximal inspiratory pressure-MIP and maximal expiratory pressure-MEP) and peripheral muscle strength (quadriceps, shoulder abductors and hand grip strength) were evaluated. Functional exercise capacity was determined with 6min walk test (6MWT). ADL was assessed with Glittre ADL test and physical fitness was assessed with Munich fitness test (MFT). There were not any statistically significant difference in MIP, %MIP, MEP and %MEP values between two groups (p>0.05). %Peripheral muscle strength (% quadriceps and shoulder abductors strength), 6MWT distance and %6MWT distance were significantly lower in patients with CF than those of healthy subjects (p<0.05). Glittre ADL-test time was significantly longer in patients with CF than healthy subjects (p<0.05). According to Munich fitness test, the number of bouncing a ball, hanging score, distance of standing vertical jumping and standing vertical jumping score were significantly lower in patients with CF than those of healthy subjects (p<0.05). Peripheral muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, ADL performance and speed, coordination, endurance and power components of physical fitness are adversely affected in mild-severe patients with CF compared to healthy peers. Evaluations must be done in comprehensive manner in patients with CF with all stages.

Congenital lobar emphysema: evaluation and long-term follow-up of thirty cases at a single center

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is characterized by overdistension and air-trapping in the affected lobe, and is one of the causes of infantile respiratory distress. In this report, we review our 27 years of experience with 30 CLE patients. Patients' medical records were evaluated with regard to age, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, associated diseases, treatment, histopathologic findings, and final clinical and laboratory findings at the end of a long-term period. The mean age of 30 patients (18 male) at diagnosis was 4.9 +/- 6.7 months (range, 2 days-2.5 years). Tachypnea, dyspnea, cough, cyanosis, wheezing, hoarseness, and decreased breath sounds on the affected side were the main symptoms and clinical findings. On chest X-rays, emphysema was seen in all patients; shift/herniation to the opposite lung, atelectasis, and pneumothorax were observed in 16, 5, and 2 cases, respectively. Computerized tomography of the thorax was performed in 16 cases and revealed emphysema at affected lobe/lobes in all, a shift/herniation to the opposite side in 12 cases, and atelectasis of neighbor lobe/lobes in 7 cases. All 8 patients who had perfusion scintigraphy showed reduced perfusion in the affected lobe. Narrowed and flaccid bronchi were detected in one patient by using flexible bronchoscopy. Blood gas analysis was performed in 11 patients, and hypoxia and hypercarbia were revealed in 9 and 7 of these patients, respectively. The most common affected lobe was the left upper lobe (57%), followed by the right upper lobe (30%) and right middle lobe (27%). Two lobes were involved in 4 patients. Associated abnormalities were observed in 5 patients. Twenty-one patients underwent lobectomy; 9 were followed conservatively. Ages at diagnosis were significantly younger in surgically treated patients. Emphysema was detected in all pathological specimens, with an additional bronchial cartilage deficiency in 2 patients. In the surgically treated group, 2 patients died and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. In the conservatively treated group, one patient was lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up duration of all patients was 63.2 +/- 56.2 months (range, 1-209 months). At follow-up visits, all patients were doing well. In surgically treated patients, chest X-rays were normal (9 cases), or showed hyperlucency on the operated side (6 cases) or chronic changes in the operation area (2 cases). Hyperexpansion in the affected lobe was found to be reduced in all cases in the conservatively treated group.

Characterization of CSF2RA mutation related juvenile pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Background

Juvenile pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) due to CSF2RA mutations is a rare disorder with only a few cases described worldwide.

Methods

We identified nine children with severe diffuse interstitial lung disease due to CSF2RA mutations. Clinical course, diagnostic findings and treatment were evaluated and correlated to the genotype. Functional impairment of the intracellular JAK/pStat5 signaling pathway was assessed using flow-cytometry of peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) and granulocytes.

Results

We identified six individuals with homozygous missense/nonsense/frameshift mutations and three individuals homozygous for a deletion of the complete CSF2RA gene locus. Overall, four novel mutations (c.1125 + 1G > A, duplication exon 8, deletion exons 2–13, Xp22.3/Yp11.3) were found. Reduced STAT5 phosphorylation in PBMC and granulocytes was seen in all cases examined (n = 6). Pulmonary symptoms varied from respiratory distress to clinically silent. Early disease onset was associated with a more severe clinical phenotype (p = 0.0092). No association was seen between severity of phenotype at presentation and future clinical course or extent of genetic damage. The clinical course was favorable in all subjects undergoing whole lung lavage (WLL) treatment.

Conclusions

Our cohort broadens the spectrum of knowledge about the clinical variability and genotype-phenotype correlations of juvenile PAP, and illustrates the favorable outcome of WLL treatment in severely affected patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-014-0171-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Treatment of hydatid disease

Hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus presents medical, veterinary and economic problems worldwide. Hydatidosis can be treated by medical, surgical and percutaneous modalities. Benzoimidazole carbamates are effective against E. granulosus. Although mebendazole, the first benzoimidazole used, has some beneficial effects on the disease in selected patients, it has also been associated with treatment failure in some cases, perhaps because of its poor absorption. Albendazole, a more recently developed benzoimidazole, is more effective than mebendazole. Praziquantel, an isoquinoline derivative, has recently shown value in the treatment of human echinococcal disease and its use in combination with albendazole is recommended in some patients. Ultrasound guided cyst puncture is another choice of treatment which has been used successfully in selected patients, although anaphylactic and allergic reactions due to spillage of the cyst contents have occurred. Surgical therapy in echinococcal hydatid disease is indicated for large cysts with multiple daughter cysts, superficially located single liver cysts which have a risk of rupture, complicated cysts such as those accompanied by infection, compression or obstruction, and cysts located in vital organs or which are exerting pressure on adjacent vital organs. However, surgical therapy carries high risk of mortality, morbidity or recurrence. Therefore, medical therapy may be an alternative option in uncomplicated cysts and in patients at high risk from surgery. The adjuvant use of drugs with surgery and percutaneous treatment can also be recommended for some patients.

Genotype and phenotype evaluation of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia: First results from Turkey

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare and genetically heterogeneous disease and the severity of the disease related with genetic analysis has been described in some previous studies. The main aim of our study was to describe the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of patients with genetically diagnosed PCD and to investigate the correlation between clinical, radiologic, and laboratory findings and genetic analyses of these patients.

METHOD

This is a cohort study in which we analyzed the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and genetic results of 46 patients with genetically diagnosed PCD through whole-exome sequencing at our single center from a total of 265 patients with PCD within a 5-year period.

RESULTS

Genetic analysis revealed pathogenic variants in DNAH5 (n = 12 individuals, 12 families), CCDC40 (n = 9 individuals, six families), RSPH4A (n = 5 individuals, three families), DNAH11 (n = 4 individuals, four families), HYDIN (n = 5 individuals, five families), CCNO (n = 4 individuals, four families), DNAI1 (n = 2 individuals, one family), ARMC4 (n = 2 individuals, two families), TTC25 (n = 1), DNAH1 (n = 1), and CCDC39 (n = 1) genes. Although not statistically significant, the age at diagnosis was lower (median: 3 years; range, 6 months-4 years) in patients with CCNO pathogenic variants due to the early reporting of symptoms, and the median body mass index (BMI) and BMI z scores were lower in patients at 18.7 and 16 kg/m² , and -0.78 and -1.2 with CCDC40 and CCNO pathogenic variants, respectively. The median forced expiratory flow in 1 second (FEV1%), forced vital capacity (FVC%), and forced expiratory flow (FEF)25-75% were 53%, 64%, and 28%, respectively; these parameters were also lower in the CCDC40 group than in the other groups. There was no significant correlation between the genetic results and symptoms, radiologic findings, and microbiologic data of patients with PCD.

CONCLUSION

In PCD, there was significant heterogeneity of lung disease, patients who had pathogenic variants in CCNO presented earlier, and those with CCDC40 and CCNO had worse lung disease, and poorer nutritional status compared with the other subgroups. We hope that whole genotype-phenotype and clinical relationships will be identified in PCD.

Gorham-Stout Syndrome with chylothorax: successful remission by interferon alpha-2b

Gorham-Stout syndrome is a rare disease and most often recognized in children and young adults. Chylothorax is a serious complication of Gorham-Stout syndrome. The treatment of either Gorham-Stout syndrome or chylothorax is still a dilemma. We described a 9-year-old girl with Gorham-Stout syndrome and chylothorax who was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea, orthopnea, and bone pain, and treated with interferon alpha-2b.

Conservative treatment of empyema in children

Seventy-two children with no underlying diseases were treated for empyema. Radical surgical approaches like decortication were necessary for only 3 children. In 66 children tube drainage was applied. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured or was shown in Gram's stain in 32 (44%) and children with this microorganism had longer duration of tube drainage (p < 0.05). The period for normalization of chest X-ray was positively related with the age of the patient (p < 0.05). In 60 of 72 children, chest X-ray was normal after 3 months. Follow-up of the patients 18 months after the infection revealed that pulmonary radiograms were normal in all cases and pulmonary function tests were within normal limits in all of the tested children (n = 25). It is emphasized that avoiding major surgical approaches must be encouraged in childhood empyema.

Medical treatment of pulmonary hydatid disease: for which child?

There have been many encouraging studies on medical treatment of pulmonary hydatid disease due to Echinococcus granulosus infection. Our aims were to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of medical treatment in pulmonary hydatid disease and to describe a pediatric population who would benefit from medical treatment, especially in respect to the diameter of the hydatid cyst. All patients were treated with mebendazole or albendazole. Treatment outcome was defined as cure, improvement or failure. Among 82 patients, 34.1% were cured, 34.1% improved and 31.8% failed. When 102 cysts were individually evaluated, 36.31% were cured, 32.4% improved and 31.3% failed. The cure and the failure rates were statistically insignificant in cysts treated with mebendazole and albendazole; however statistically significantly more cysts were improved with albendazole. The results were statistically insignificant between continuous and cyclic albendazole treatment. The mean size of successfully treated cysts was 5.3+/-3.4 cm, but "failed" for cyst with a mean size of 7.3+/-4.3 cm. There was a positive, weak and statistically significant correlation between the cyst size and treatment results. The major complication was infection. We suggest that selected pediatric patients with uncomplicated pulmonary hydatid cysts sized less than 5 cm should have a trial of medical treatment with a very close follow up.

Hydatid disease in childhood: a retrospective analysis of 376 cases

During a 20-year period, 376 children with hydatid disease were treated at Hacettepe University Ihsan Doğramaci Children's Hospital. There were 223 males and 153 females with a mean age of 8.9+/-0.1 years. Hydatid cysts were localized in the lungs in 222 patients, in the liver in 56 patients, and in other organs in the remaining patients. Cough, fever, and abdominal pain were the most common symptoms. One hundred eight patients had medical, 182 patients had surgical, 73 patients had medical and surgical, and 4 patients had medical and percutaneous drainage treatment as the initial therapy. When evaluating the results of therapy, the relapse rate was higher in surgically treated patients than medically treated patients. We conclude that medical treatment of childhood hydatidosis is best, except in cases with complications such as infection, parenchymal compression or obstruction of airways, bile duct or viscera; all of these are indications for surgical therapy.

Treatment of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with a diphosphonate--preliminary results of a case

A diphosphonate, disodium etidronate, a compound known to inhibit microcrystal growth of hydroxyapatite was given to a 3.5-year-old girl with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) that was symptomatic. The drug was used for approximately 36 months in a single daily dose of 15 mg/kg. No significant side effects were encountered with somewhat clearing of lung bases in chest radiograms and subjective improvement in general condition. These findings suggest a role of diphosphonates in the treatment of PAM.

Bronchiectasis: the consequence of late diagnosis in chronic respiratory symptoms

Bronchiectasis is still common among some developing countries like Turkey. The aim of this study was to document the number of children with non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis, to evaluate the risk factors and to emphasize early diagnosis and treatment. All children, except those diagnosed with CF, with bronchiectasis established by chest radiogram, bronchography and/or computed tomography or biopsy material, were retrospectively reviewed. They were tested for serum total eosinophil count, nasal smear, serum levels of immunoglobulins A, G, M, E, and serum alpha-1 antitrypsin level. Pulmonary function tests, rigid bronchoscopy, nasal biopsy, lung scintigraphy, and echocardiogram were also performed. There were 204 patients whose most common presenting symptoms were cough, sputum expectoration, and dyspnea. Bronchiectasis was present mostly in the left lower lobe. The cause could not be determined in 49 per cent of patients. Among the identified causes, infection was present in most patients, followed by asthma, primary ciliary dyskinesia, congenital immune deficiency, and foreign body aspiration. It is possible to prevent bronchiectasis in children with vaccinations and improved nutrition in developing countries. Early diagnosis and treatment will increase the quality of life and survival of patients with bronchiectasis, which has irreversible and progressive complications if untreated.

Psychiatric and general health effects of COVID-19 pandemic on children with chronic lung disease and parents' coping styles

BACKGROUND

We aim to assess the anxiety and depressive symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic in children with chronic lung disease and their parents and also to evaluate parents' coping strategies.

METHODS

Parents of children aged 4-18 years, with chronic lung disease (study group n = 113) and healthy control (n = 108) were enrolled in the study. General Health Questionnaire-12, specific COVID-19 related anxiety questions, The Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory, coronavirus-related psychiatric symptom scale in children-parental form were used to analyze the psychiatric effects of COVID-19. Parents were also asked about how online education affected their family life and children. All data were compared between children/parents in the study and control groups. Risk factors related with anxiety scores of children were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Talking about the pandemic, concern about coronavirus transmission, taking precaution to prevent coronavirus transmission, making pressure to protect from COVID-19 were significantly higher in parents within the study group (p < .05). Parents in the study group used more problem-focused coping than parents in the control group (p = .003). Anxiety symptoms score was higher in children of the study group (p = .007). Parents in the study group found online education more useful than parents in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Children with chronic lung diseases and their parents have more anxiety due to COVID-19 pandemic and these parents use more mature coping strategies to manage the stress of the pandemic. Longitudinal and larger studies should be done in all aspects of online education in children with chronic lung diseases.

Tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia in 34 children: clinical and radiologic profiles and associations with other diseases

We reviewed our experience on tracheomalacia (TM) and bronchomalacia (BM) in children who presented with chronic respiratory problems and evaluated their clinical and radiologic characteristics and their associations with other disorders. There were 26 males and 8 females with a median age of 9 months. The main symptoms were wheezing, persistent or recurrent pneumonia, and chronic cough. Atelectasis on chest radiograph was the most common sign. Of 23 children with TM, 1 had a double aortic arch, 1 had tracheoesophageal fistula, and 1 other had associated laryngomalacia. BM was found in 27 children and was predominantly seen on the right side. TBM was found in 16 cases (in an infant TBM was accompanied by pharyngeal dyskinesia and in another by laryngomalacia). Malacia disorders were associated with gastroesophageal reflux, cardiovascular anomalies, and tracheoeosophageal fistula. TM and BM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with chronic and recurrent respiratory symptoms. Early diagnosis of malacia disorders will prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics or antiasthmatic drugs, which are often abused to treat these children. In these patients, treatment for associated diseases should also be considered.

Long-term results of disodium etidronate treatment in pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease with alveolar microliths mainly composed of calcium phosphate. The gene responsible for the disease is SLC34A2, which encodes a type-IIb sodium phosphate cotransporter, has been described recently. Treatment of this disease is not clearly defined. Disodium etidronate is a member of bisphonates and it has been administered in these patients due to its inhibitory effect on the precipitation of hydroxyapatite microcrystals. Here, clinical and radiological improvement of two patients with PAM who were treated with disodium etidronate for 9 and 11 years, respectively, are presented. The pathogenetic mechanism of this treatment on the genetic basis of disease is discussed.

Clinical features and treatment approaches in cystic fibrosis with pseudo-Bartter syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) are prone to develop episodes of hyponatraemic, hypochloraemic dehydration with metabolic alkalosis, which are biochemical hallmarks of the pseudo-Bartter syndrome (PB).

METHOD

We reviewed the clinical and laboratory features and treatment approaches of 29 children with CF and PB who were under follow-up in our institution from May 1992 to November 2003.

RESULTS

Of 241 patients with CF, PB was detected in 29 (12%) with a median age of 4 months at the time of the first attack. Most patients experienced vomiting, loss of appetite and dehydration during episodes of PB. All patients were managed with intravenous fluids and sodium chloride solutions. During follow-up, 12/29 cases required hospital admission for recurrent PB attacks. The oldest age at the time of the last attack was 48 months.

CONCLUSIONS

CF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis in young children. Vomiting and loss of appetite are important warning signs of possible PB in CF patients, particularly before 4 years of age. To prevent serious complications, it is crucial that parents and physicians recognise PB as early as possible.

Sodium chloride deficiency in cystic fibrosis patients

Sodium chloride deficiency (SCD) was observed within the 1st year of life in 12 of 46 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients between July 1989 and September 1992. All patients showed sweating, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, irritation, dehydration, weakness, and cyanosis during an attack. Mean plasma sodium, potassium and chloride levels were 122.9 (range 106-135), 2.5 (range 1.6-3.5), and 73.3 (range 60-90) mEq/l respectively. Alkalosis and elevated plasma renin activity were detected in all patients. Of the patients, 50% showed microscopic haematuria, and hypercalciuria was detected in two out of four patients. Low urinary sodium and high urinary potassium were observed in the four examined patients. Increased creatinine, BUN and uric acid values returned to normal with treatment. All the patients were treated initially with intravenous fluids and electrolyte solutions. All patients were less than 7 months of age during the first attack, five received only breast milk and the others breast milk with formula milk. Their oral salt supplement was 2-4 mEq/kg per day, which is recommended for CF patients, but could be deficient in excessively sweating infants. The genotype of these patients might be cause of high salt losses. F508 is the most common mutation with the frequency of 38% in our CF patients with SCD, but the frequency of unknown mutations is high (54%).

Omalizumab Treatment for Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by destructive changes in the airways. Long-term treatment with oral corticosteroids is often required for repeated exacerbations. Because elevated total IgE is a cardinal abnormality of ABPA, omalizumab has been used sporadically to decrease corticosteroid dose or totally replace corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this report is to describe our experience with omalizumab treatment in patients with CF and ABPA.

METHODS

We conducted a review of 6 CF patients with ABPA receiving omalizumab. All patients were treated with oral prednisolone and itraconazole. Omalizumab was started if the patient was not responding to steroid treatment, which was determined according to serum IgE levels and/or clinical findings or depending on if there were side effects caused by steroid treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients at the beginning of omalizumab treatment was 16.1 years. One patient had a new diagnosis of ABPA; however, the others had the first to third exacerbation when treated with omalizumab. The mean duration of ABPA by the time that treatment with omalizumab started was 13 ± 12.4 months (range = 2-29 months). With omalizumab treatment, IgE levels were decreased in all patients, and Aspergillus-specific IgE levels were decreased in 4 patients; however, FEV1(% predicted) improved only in 2 patients who had mild disease. Corticosteroids were reduced in the first, second, and third months of omalizumab treatment in 2, 1, and 3 patients, respectively. In 2 patients, steroid treatment was stopped. None of the patients suffered from side effects of omalizumab. The mean duration of omalizumab treatment was 12.5 months (range = 6-18 months).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed steroid-sparing effect, decreasing IgE levels, and improvement in respiratory symptoms in 6 CF patients with omalizumab treatment. Although this is a small sample of the population, omalizumab may be an alternative therapy for ABPA in CF patients who fail to respond to systemic corticosteroids or have serious adverse effects.