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Acute pulmonary hemorrhage among infants--Chicago, April 1992-November 1994
Insights
Clusters of unexplained acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants were identified in Cleveland and Chicago. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of this rare infant lung condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- A cluster of unexplained acute pulmonary hemorrhage cases occurred in infants in Cleveland, Ohio.
- A similar cluster of infant pulmonary hemorrhage cases was identified in Chicago, Illinois.
- An increased incidence of infant pulmonary hemorrhage was noted at a Chicago hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology of acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants in Cleveland and Chicago.
- To summarize preliminary findings from ongoing epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory investigations.
- To identify potential risk factors and causes for this infant lung condition.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiologic surveillance in Cleveland and Chicago.
- Clinical case reviews of affected infants.
- Laboratory investigations to identify potential pathogens or toxins.
Main Results:
- Eight infant cases in Cleveland (January 1993-November 1994).
- Seven infant cases in Chicago (April 1992-November 1994).
- An unusual concentration of cases at a single Chicago hospital.
Conclusions:
- The cause of acute pulmonary hemorrhage in these infant clusters remains unknown.
- Ongoing investigations aim to elucidate the etiology of this rare condition.
- Public health and medical professionals are collaborating to address this health concern.
Abstract:
A cluster of cases of acute pulmonary hemorrhage of unknown etiology occurred among eight infants in Cleveland during January 1993-November 1994 (1). During the investigation of these cases, a similar cluster was identified in the Chicago area. From April 1992 through November 1994, seven infants with acute pulmonary hemorrhage of unknown etiology were admitted to hospitals in the Chicago area. Four of the infants were treated at the same hospital in which, during the preceding 3 years (1989-1991), one case of pulmonary hemorrhage among infants had been diagnosed. This report summarizes the preliminary results of the ongoing epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory investigations of these cases by pediatric pulmonologists in Chicago, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Cook County Department of Public Health, and CDC.