Possible Affliction of the Lungs in Children with Idiopathic Intestinal Inflammations

Overview

The objective of the investigation was to assess possible pulmonary affliction in children with idiopathic inflammations of the gut - morbus Crohn (MC) and idiopathic proctocolitis (IP). The authors focused their attention on functional examination of the lungs and examination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in these patients.They examined five children with MC (four boys aged 13 - 19 years and one 14-year-old-girl) and five children with IP (three girls aged 13 - 19 years and two boys age 11 and 18 years) with respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnoea). In all they revealed a change on functional examination of the lungs, i.e. an increased residual volume, in three patients they recorded also an obstructive ventilation disorder. None of the patients had changes in the pulmonary diffusion capacity for CD (DLCO).In two patients with MC and two with IP in BAL lymphocytosis was detected. A reduced ratio of CD4/CD8 was recorded in two patients with MC and two with IP, an increased ratio was found in two patients with MC and one with IP. In all 10 patients elevated T lymphocyte (CD3) levels were recorded.No association was found between clinical complaints, values on functional examination of the lungs and cells in BAL.The authors recommend to pay attention to pulmonary afflictions in children with idiopathic intestinal inflammations.

Key words:
idiopathic intestinal inflammations, morbus Crohn, idiopathic proctocolitis, functional examination of the lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage, alveolar lymphocytosis