[Current methods of research in early diagnosis of cor pulmonale in children with diffuse connective tissue diseases]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rheumatology
• Cardiopulmonary Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic scleroderma are autoimmune diseases that can affect multiple organ systems in children.
• Pulmonary hypertension is a serious complication that can arise in these conditions, impacting patient prognosis.
• Non-invasive diagnostic methods are crucial for early detection and management of cardiopulmonary complications in pediatric rheumatologic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in children diagnosed with SLE and systemic scleroderma.
• To compare the diagnostic efficacy of rheopulmonography and echocardiography in evaluating pulmonary hypertension in this pediatric cohort.
• To assess the correlation between disease activity and the presence of pulmonary hypertension.

Main Methods:

• Electrocardiography (ECG)
• Tetrapolar chest rheography
• Rheopulmonography (RPG)
• Echocardiography (Echo)

Main Results:

• Pulmonary hypertension was identified in approximately 50% of the pediatric patients studied.
• The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension was notably higher in children with SLE compared to those with systemic scleroderma.
• Rheopulmonography and echocardiography demonstrated highly comparable findings in the assessment of pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary hypertension is a significant clinical manifestation in children with SLE and systemic scleroderma.
• Both rheopulmonography and echocardiography are reliable and comparable methods for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension in pediatric rheumatology patients.
• Early detection and monitoring of pulmonary hypertension are essential for managing children with these autoimmune conditions.