This study spanned over two decades involved children ranging from newborns to 10.8 years old who underwent lung biopsy in the ICU were examined thoroughly. The criteria for inclusion excluded biopsies conducted in operating rooms and post-mortem cases. Out of the 31 patients, majority (67.7%) were newborns who required invasive mechanical ventilation. Also, 70.9% were placed under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and 89.7% had pulmonary hypertension.
The lung biopsy proved to be a diagnostic success in 81% of cases with reliability seemingly decreasing with age. The study identified diffuse developmental disorders of the lung as a primary diagnostic outcomes with alveolar capillary dysplasia and surfactant disorders. but, complications were observed in 29% of cases, with a significant association with ECMO usage, particularly showcasing a higher risk in cases extending beyond 10 days and in children over 2 years old.
The study underscores the significance of lung biopsy as a reliable diagnostic tool, specially in neonates who undergo critical situations with suspected diffuse developmental lung disorders. As the findings also highlight the complications linked to ECMO, this study calls paves way for a prospective evaluation of biopsy-related risks under ECMO, specially in prolonged cases and older children.
This research deepens the understanding of the diagnostic efficacy of lung biopsies in critical pediatric cases and also highlights the need for a nuanced approach that considers both diagnostic benefits and potential complications to optimize patient outcomes in intensive care settings.
Reference:
Levy, Y., Bitton, L., Sileo, C., Rambaud, J., Soreze, Y., Louvrier, C., Ducou le Pointe, H., Corvol, H., Hervieux, E., Irtan, S., Leger, P., Prévost, B., Coulomb L’Herminé, A., & Nathan, N. (2024). Lung biopsies in infants and children in critical care situation. In Pediatric Pulmonology. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.26845
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.