Open lung biopsy for diffuse parenchymal lung disease in children
Chan, P.W.; Ramanujam, T.M.; Goh, A.Y.; Lum, L.C.; Debruyne, J.A.; Chan, L.
Medical Journal of Malaysia 58(5): 636-640
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5283 PMID: 15190646 Document Number: 559284
An open lung biopsy was performed in 12 children with diffuse parenchymal lung disease. A definitive histopathological diagnosis was obtained from all procedures but determined treatment options in only 10 children (83%). Three (25%) children were ventilated for respiratory failure prior to the procedure. Four (44%) of the other 9 children required ventilatory support after the procedure. Three (25%) children developed post-op pneumothorax that resolved fully with chest tube drainage. There were no deaths as a direct result of the procedure. Open lung biopsy is useful in providing a definitive diagnosis in children with diffuse parenchymal lung disease and determining treatment in the majority of cases. The procedure was well-tolerated with minimal complications.