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Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in a survivor of extreme prematurity
1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Insights
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare childhood disease. This case study shows premature infants can have a good prognosis despite RRP diagnosis, challenging previous assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Genetics
Background:
- Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare pediatric airway disease.
- Prematurity and early presentation are considered poor prognostic indicators for RRP.
- RRP is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Observation:
- A 24-week premature infant presented with stridor, weak cry, and hoarseness at 9 months corrected age.
- Diagnosis of RRP was delayed until 21 months corrected age.
- The infant underwent laser excision for RRP.
Findings:
- The premature infant survived RRP and laser treatment, reaching 2.5 years of age.
- This case suggests RRP prognosis in premature infants may not be uniformly poor.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing RRP in high-risk infants.
Implications:
- RRP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of airway issues in extremely premature infants.
- This case challenges the established notion of poor prognosis for RRP in premature infants.
- Further research is needed to understand RRP outcomes in the premature population.
Abstract:
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare disease in children. Previous reports suggested that prematurity and early age of presentation were poor prognostic factors. We report on a 24-week premature infant who presented with stridor, weak cry, and hoarseness of voice at age 9 months (corrected age), in whom the diagnosis of RRP was not made until age 21 months (corrected age). Laser excision of RRP was subsequently performed, and the child is still surviving at age 2.5 years. RRP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of airway problems in survivors of extreme prematurity; the prognosis is not uniformly poor in premature infants.
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