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The Bovine Lung in Biomedical Research: Visually Guided Bronchoscopy, Intrabronchial Inoculation and In Vivo Sampling Techniques
Published on: July 3, 2014
Open lung biopsy for diffuse parenchymal lung disease in children
P W Chan1, T M Ramanujam, A Y Goh
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University Malaya Medical Center, 50603 Kuala Lumpur.
Insights
Open lung biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis for pediatric diffuse parenchymal lung disease, guiding treatment in most cases. This procedure is safe and effective, with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Pathology
Background:
- Diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) in children presents diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate histopathological diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility and safety of open lung biopsy (OLB) in diagnosing pediatric DPLD.
- To assess the impact of OLB on treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Open lung biopsy was performed in 12 pediatric patients with DPLD.
- Histopathological analysis was conducted on all biopsy samples.
- Clinical data, including pre- and post-procedure ventilation requirements and complications, were collected.
Main Results:
- A definitive histopathological diagnosis was achieved in all 12 children.
- Treatment options were determined in 10 children (83%).
- Three children (25%) required ventilation pre-procedure; 4 of the remaining 9 (44%) required post-procedure support. Three children (25%) experienced pneumothorax, which resolved with chest tube drainage. No procedure-related deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- Open lung biopsy is a valuable tool for establishing a definitive diagnosis in pediatric DPLD.
- The procedure effectively guides treatment in the majority of cases.
- OLB is well-tolerated in children, with a low rate of manageable complications.
Abstract:
An open lung biopsy was performed in 12 children with diffuse parenchymal lung disease. A definitive histopathological diagnosis was obtained from all procedures but determined treatment options in only 10 children (83%). Three (25%) children were ventilated for respiratory failure prior to the procedure. Four (44%) of the other 9 children required ventilatory support after the procedure. Three (25%) children developed post-op pneumothorax that resolved fully with chest tube drainage. There were no deaths as a direct result of the procedure. Open lung biopsy is useful in providing a definitive diagnosis in children with diffuse parenchymal lung disease and determining treatment in the majority of cases. The procedure was well-tolerated with minimal complications.

