Early therapy with corticosteroid and surfactant for acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants: Two case

Yuiko Sato1, Mitsutaka Shiota, Kouta Sasaki

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kitano Hospital, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Osaka, Japan.

Medicine
|June 3, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage (AIPH) in infants is rare. Early corticosteroid therapy and surfactant improved outcomes in two infant cases, suggesting a potential treatment protocol for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neonatal Critical Care
  • Rare Disease Research

Background:

  • Acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage (AIPH) in infants lacks established treatment guidelines.
  • AIPH is a rare but serious condition requiring prompt medical intervention.

Observation:

  • Two infants presented with epistaxis and respiratory distress, diagnosed with AIPH via imaging.
  • Initial management included intubation and mechanical ventilation due to bloody airways.

Findings:

  • Intravenous methylprednisolone rapidly improved oxygenation and reduced ventilation pressures.
  • One infant showed significant improvement with intratracheal surfactant, while the other did not.

Implications:

  • Corticosteroids and surfactant may be beneficial in managing severe infant AIPH.
  • Further research is warranted to establish definitive treatment protocols for AIPH.
Abstract

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