Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2025

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery
Published on: February 14, 2019
Epidemiology of childhood interstitial lung disease in France: the RespiRare cohort
Camille Fletcher1,2, Alice Hadchouel3,4, Caroline Thumerelle5
1Paediatric Pulmonology Department and Reference Center for Rare Lung Diseases, RespiRare, Sorbonne University, AP-HP, Armand Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France.
Insights
This study reveals a higher incidence of childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) in France than previously known. Findings highlight the need for improved data collection and standardized care for these rare pediatric lung conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
- Rare Diseases
Background:
- Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) encompasses rare and severe pediatric lung conditions.
- Existing epidemiological data on chILD are scarce, often limited to small patient cohorts.
- Accurate prevalence and incidence data are crucial for understanding the burden of chILD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and incidence of chILD in France.
- To analyze the characteristics, management, and outcomes of pediatric patients with chILD.
- To establish a baseline for future national and international chILD research.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted within the RespiRare network (2000-2022).
- A prospective evaluation of chILD incidence was performed between February 2022 and 2023.
- Data on patient demographics, diagnoses, investigations, management, and outcomes were collected.
Main Results:
- The study identified 790 chILD cases across 42 centers.
- Estimated 2022 prevalence was 44/million children; incidence was 4.4/million children.
- Common etiologies included surfactant metabolism disorders, neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and connective tissue diseases. Survival rates varied significantly by age at diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- This comprehensive epidemiological study demonstrates a higher prevalence and incidence of chILD than previously reported.
- The findings underscore the need for optimized case collection and harmonized diagnostic and management practices.
- Further collaborative efforts are essential for advancing international chILD research and improving patient care.
Introduction:
Interstitial lung disease in children (chILD) are rare and mostly severe lung diseases. Very few epidemiological data are available in limited series of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and incidence of chILD in France.
Methods:
We performed within the RespiRare network a multicentre retrospective observational study in patients with chILD from 2000 to 2022 and a prospective evaluation of chILD's incidence between February 2022 and 2023.
Results:
chILD was reported in 790 patients in 42 centres. The estimated 2022 prevalence in France was 44 /million children (95% CI 40.76 to 47.46) and the computed incidence was 4.4 /million children (95% CI 3.44 to 5.56). The median age at diagnosis was 3 months with 16.9% of familial forms. Lung biopsy and genetic analyses were performed in 23.4% and 76.9%, respectively. The most frequent chILD aetiologies in the <2 years group were surfactant metabolism disorders (16.3%) and neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (11.8%), and in the 2-18 years group diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (12.2%), connective tissue diseases (11.4%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (8.8%) and sarcoidosis (8.8%). The management included mainly oxygen therapy (52%), corticosteroid pulses (56%), oral corticosteroids (44%), azithromycin (27.2%), enteral nutrition (26.9%), immunosuppressants (20.3%) and hydroxychloroquine (15.9%). The 5-year survival rate was 57.3% for the patients diagnosed before 2 years and 86% between 2 and 18 years.
Conclusion:
This large and systematic epidemiological study confirms a higher incidence and prevalence of chILD than previously described. In order to develop international studies, efforts are still needed to optimise the case collection and to harmonise diagnostic and management practices.
More Related Videos
09:29An Air-liquid Interface Bronchial Epithelial Model for Realistic, Repeated Inhalation Exposure to Airborne Particles for Toxicity Testing
Published on: May 13, 2020
06:22Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome ARDS
Published on: April 7, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Breathing
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History