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Disseminated coccidioidomycosis in children
The Journal of Pediatrics
|March 1, 1981
Summary
Pediatric coccidioidomycosis can disseminate to various sites, similar to adults. Early diagnosis and combined antifungal and surgical treatment improve outcomes for bone and skin infections, but meningitis remains a critical challenge.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection, can affect children.
- Extrapulmonary dissemination in pediatric coccidioidomycosis requires further definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the significance of extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis in children.
- To analyze clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 14 pediatric cases.
- Comprehensive literature review on pediatric coccidioidomycosis.
Main Results:
- Children exhibit similar susceptibility to dissemination as adults.
- Common dissemination sites include skin, subcutaneous tissue, bone, and meninges.
- Diagnosis aided by microscopy, culture, and serologic tests; skin tests often negative.
Conclusions:
- Disseminated coccidioidomycosis in children requires prompt diagnosis and management.
- Combined antifungal and surgical therapy is effective for localized disease.
- Pediatric coccidioidomycotic meningitis has a high fatality rate despite treatment.