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Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in infants
Insights
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can affect infants, contrary to previous beliefs. Early diagnosis and treatment in infants are crucial for managing this serious asthma complication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a significant complication of asthma.
- ABPA is generally considered rare in infants under two years of age.
Observation:
- This study reports three cases of ABPA in children younger than two years.
- The patients presented with asthma, recurrent pulmonary infiltrations, and peripheral eosinophilia.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed by positive Aspergillus skin tests, serum precipitating antibodies to Aspergillus, and elevated serum IgE levels.
- The major diagnostic criteria for ABPA were met in all three infant cases.
Implications:
- These findings challenge the notion that ABPA rarely affects infants.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of ABPA in infants are vital to prevent disease progression.
- Further research into the course and immunopathogenesis of ABPA in infants is warranted.
Abstract:
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a serious complication of asthma, is thought to rarely afflict infants. We report three children less than 2 years of age in whom this disorder developed. The major criteria for the diagnosis include: (1) asthma, (2) recurrent pulmonary infiltrations with peripheral eosinophilia, (3) positive aspergillus skin tests at 15 minutes and at 4 to 6 hours, (4) serum precipitating antibodies to aspergillus, and (5) elevated serum IgE levels. Early diagnosis and treatment of ABPA in infants may prevent the ravages of the disease and help to sharpen our concepts of the course and immunopathogenesis.