Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia in Children: A Systematic Review and Case Series from South Africa
Master Thesis
2018
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Background and objective:
To describe the clinical-radiological-pathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of childhood exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) and elucidate oil administration practices.
Methods:
A retrospective study of children with histologically-confirmed ELP at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, South Africa. Caregivers were interviewed to understand oil administration practices.
Results:
Twelve children of Zimbabwean heritage aged 2.1-10.8 months were identified between 2012 and 2017. Repeated oral administration of plant-based oil for cultural reasons was reported by 10/11 caregivers. Cough (12/12), tachypnea (11/12), hypoxia (9/12) and diffuse alveolar infiltrates on chest radiography (12/12) were common at presentation. Chest computed tomography revealed ground glass opacification with lower zone predominance (9/9) and interlobular septal thickening (8/9). All bronchoalveolar lavage specimens appeared cloudy/milky, with abundant lipid laden macrophages and extracellular lipid on Oil-Red-O staining and documented polymicrobial (6/12) and Mycobacterium abscessus (2/12) co-infection. Antibiotics, systemic corticosteroids and therapeutic partial lung lavage were interventions in all, 8 and 5 patients respectively. Median time to clinical resolution was 1.1 months IQR (0.5-8.0) with radiological resolution only in 2/12 cases.
Conclusions:
Paediatric ELP resembles pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Health workers should explicitly probe for a history of oil administration in children with non-resolving pneumonia and consider the diagnosis of ELP in settings where this is a common practice.
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Reference:
Marangu, D. 2018. Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia in Children: A Systematic Review and Case Series from South Africa. University of Cape Town.