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Updated: Jul 3, 2025

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Fibrotic lung diseases in children
1Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Pediatric pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a rare condition within interstitial lung disease (ILD), lacks clear diagnostic algorithms. This review synthesizes current knowledge to guide diagnosis and treatment of fibrosing ILD in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Fibrotic Lung Disease
Background:
- Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is rare in children and often presents as part of interstitial lung disease (ILD).
- Current diagnostic criteria for adult PF are not directly applicable to pediatric cases.
- Accurate diagnosis of pediatric PF is crucial for initiating targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of pediatric PF.
- To address uncertainties in the diagnosis and management of PF in children.
- To draw upon adult research to inform pediatric approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on pediatric PF and fibrosing ILD.
- Analysis of diagnostic approaches from existing pediatric studies.
- Synthesis of information from adult PF research for pediatric application.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic algorithms for pediatric PF are not well-established.
- High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and lung biopsy are valuable diagnostic tools.
- Optimal timing for antifibrotic treatment in pediatric PF remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to establish clear diagnostic criteria for pediatric PF.
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for managing children with fibrosing ILD.
- Adapting adult PF knowledge requires careful consideration of pediatric-specific factors.
Abstract:
In children, pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is an extremely unusual entity that can be observed in some types of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Defining whether ILD is accompanied by PF is important for targeted therapy. Algorithm for the diagnosis of PF in children is not clearly established. Besides, the clinical, radiological, and histological definitions commonly used to diagnose particularly the cases of idiopathic PF in adult patients, is not applicable to pediatric cases. However, a few studies conducted in children offer good exemplary diagnostic approach to fibrosing ILD. Thorax high resonance computed tomography and/or lung biopsy scanning can provide valuable information about PF. Another issue that has not been clearly established is when to start antifibrotic treatment in pediatric patients with PF. The objective of this current review is to provide a comprehensive overview of pediatric PF by drawing upon adult research, particularly focusing on the areas of uncertainty.
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