Lung involvement in rheumatologic diseases in children

Abstract

Background: Lung involvement in rheumatologic disease in children has been described with low frequency. Objective: To describe the lung function test and the radiological findings in a group of paediatric patients with rheumatologic diseases. Methods: Descriptive study. Pulmonary function was evaluated with spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, blood arterial gas at rest and post exercise in addition to chest radiography and high resolution computed tomography were performed in children with rheumatologic disease. Results: Of the fourteen patients studied: 11 were diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), two with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and one with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Mean age: 13 years (range 7---18 years). Nine females, duration of disease 4±2.8 years (range 1---11 years). Four patients had any grade of abnormalities in one or more lung function tests and/or radiological test. Conclusion: We recommend routine checks of pulmonary function in all patients with rheumatologic diseases even in the absence of respiratory symptoms.