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Lung Function in Infants with Sickle Cell Anemia

Danilo Turcato Ivankovich1, Josefina Aparecida Pellegrini Braga1, Fernanda de Córdoba Lanza1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 19, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Infants with sickle cell anemia show lower forced expiratory flows, indicating potential lung obstruction. While most lung function remains normal, this finding highlights the importance of monitoring respiratory health in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Hematology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder with potential systemic complications.
  • Respiratory complications in infants with SCA are not well-characterized.
  • Early detection of pulmonary issues is crucial for managing SCA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate lung volumes and forced expiratory flows in infants with SCA.
  • To compare pulmonary function between infants with SCA and healthy controls.
  • To identify common patterns of lung abnormality in infants with SCA.

Main Methods:

  • Pulmonary function tests, including lung volumes and forced expiratory flows, were performed.
  • A cohort of 22 infants diagnosed with sickle cell anemia was studied.
  • Results were compared against a control group of healthy infants.

Main Results:

  • Infants with sickle cell anemia exhibited significantly lower forced expiratory flows compared to controls.
  • The majority of infants in the SCA group presented with normal overall lung function.
  • Airflow obstruction was identified as the most frequent pulmonary abnormality observed.

Conclusions:

  • Infants with sickle cell anemia may experience subclinical pulmonary dysfunction, particularly reduced expiratory flows.
  • Airflow obstruction is a common finding in infants with SCA, even with normal lung volumes.
  • Regular respiratory assessments are recommended for infants diagnosed with sickle cell anemia to detect early signs of lung disease.

Keywords:
anemiainfantrespiratory function testssickle cell

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