Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis: an Oriental experience

Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare but potentially lethal disorder. A retrospective analysis of documented cases of IPH in our hospital was conducted in order to study the clinical spectrum and radiographic features, and to explore therapeutic strategies.

A retrospective chart review was carried out, collecting medical records of patients with pulmonary haemo-siderosis at Chang Gung Children's Hospital (CGCH), a tertiary children's hospital in northern Taiwan. Secondary causes of pulmonary haemosiderosis were excluded.

Five patients were diagnosed as having IPH over a 25-year period. The classical triad of IPH was found at initial presentation in only 2/5 patients. One patient had well-established pulmonary fibrosis, but no pulmonary symptoms. The clinical course of IPH was exceedingly variable, with a mean delay of 9 months before diagnosis was made. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) confirmed IPH in 3/5 patients. Immunological abnormalities were noted in two patients, without progression to immune disorders during follow up. While using corticosteroids alone, 4/5 patients continued to have recurrent bleeding episodes. All five patients required immunosuppressive therapy for maintenance of a symptom-free period, but survived to a mean follow up of 2 years.

Early definitive diagnosis and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy of IPH are imperative in order to avoid pulmonary fibrosis and mortality in IPH. A chest radiograph should be included in a serial work-up of unexplained anaemia in children. An examination using BAL can confirm IPH and high-resolution thoracic computed tomography scans are useful for early detection of pulmonary fibrosis.