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[Interstitial pneumonia in children on cystostatic treatment for malignant systematic disease (author's transl)]
Insights
Radiologic findings of interstitial pneumonia in 39 children receiving immunosuppressive therapy for systemic disease are presented. Pneumocystis carinii infection was suspected in most cases, with 15 deaths attributed to this pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Children with malignant systemic diseases often undergo immunosuppressive therapy.
- This therapy can increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia.
- Radiographic manifestations of interstitial pneumonia in this vulnerable population require clear description.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the radiologic appearances of interstitial pneumonia in children treated with immunosuppressive and cytostatic agents.
- To correlate radiologic findings with potential Pneumocystis carinii infection.
- To analyze outcomes in affected children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of radiologic findings (e.g., chest X-rays, CT scans) in 39 children.
- Clinical data including diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed.
- Post-mortem examinations were performed in deceased patients.
Main Results:
- Interstitial pneumonia was observed in children receiving immunosuppressive and cytostatic therapy for systemic malignancies.
- Pneumocystis carinii infection was suspected in the majority of cases.
- Fifteen children (38.5%) died from this pneumonia, with Pneumocystis confirmed in most post-mortem examinations.
Conclusions:
- Interstitial pneumonia, often linked to Pneumocystis carinii infection, poses a significant risk to immunocompromised children with systemic diseases.
- Radiologic assessment is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring this condition.
- Prompt recognition and management are vital for improving outcomes in these high-risk pediatric patients.
Abstract:
The radiologic appearances of interstitial pneumonia are described as they appeared in 39 children treated with immunosuppressive and cytostatic substances given for malignant systemic disease. At the time most of the children were in a stage of remission of their basic illness. In most of them there may have been a pneumocystis carinii infection. 15 children died of this pneumonia. In the majority of post-mortem examinations pneumocysts could be detected.