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Hydroxychloroquine therapy of diffuse pulmonary sarcoidosis in two Australian male children
J M Hilton1, D M Cooper, R L Henry
1Department of Paediatrics, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.
Insights
Pediatric sarcoidosis is rare, affecting multiple systems. Two Caucasian boys in Australia with pulmonary sarcoidosis responded well to hydroxychloroquine after initial steroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease with unknown incidence in children.
- Pediatric sarcoidosis prevalence varies by age, race, and geography.
- Limited research exists on sarcoidosis in Australian children.
Observation:
- Two Caucasian male children in Australia presented with diffuse pulmonary sarcoidosis.
- Diffuse pulmonary sarcoidosis is exceptionally rare in non-Scandinavian white children.
- The cases were observed during the winter of 1992 at John Hunter Hospital.
Findings:
- Both pediatric patients responded positively to hydroxychloroquine therapy.
- Initial treatment with steroids showed a good response before transitioning to hydroxychloroquine.
- This suggests hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for pediatric pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the possibility of rare pediatric sarcoidosis cases in diverse geographical locations.
- Suggests hydroxychloroquine as an effective treatment option for pediatric pulmonary sarcoidosis.
- Underscores the need for further research into pediatric sarcoidosis epidemiology and treatment.
Abstract:
Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease, seen infrequently in children, with the capacity to affect multiple systems. The incidence and prevalence of the disease in children is largely unknown but is dependent on many factors including: age, race and geographical location. There have been very few studies of sarcoidosis in Australian (Aboriginal or white) children. Diffuse pulmonary sarcoidosis is very rare in non-Scandinavian white Caucasian children, yet in the winter of 1992 two Caucasian males, aged 11.1 and 10.5 years were seen at the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. Both boys had pulmonary sarcoidosis and after an initial trial of treatment with steroids responded well to hydroxychloroquine therapy.
