127 cases of tracheal dyskinesia were seen in infants and children out of which 87 were 1 to 12 months of age. The diagnosis was based on the existence of a collapse reducing the tracheal diameter of more than 50% on endoscopy. Endoscopic examination was performed without general anesthesia. This material represents 5,8% of the patients submitted to this procedure. 85 patients had "primitive" dyskinesia and 42 had major associated abnormalities. Uni or bilateral bronchial dyskinesia was associated in 43% of the cases. The four commonest presenting symptoms were a stridulous or wheezing respiration, recurrent bronchitis, chronic cough, cyanosis. The frequency of associated digestive troubles: gastroesophageal reflux aspiration was noteworthy. Several functional consequences were encountered: hypoxemia, hypercapnia, abnormalities of FRC, increased RL, lowering of dynamic compliance, alterations of perfusion and ventilation on scintiscans. The prognosis was good in primitive cases. Two deaths occurred, in the group with associated abnormalities. The pattern of the patient with primitive dyskinesia and that of the patient with dyskinesia and associated abnormalities are outlined. Some features remarkable in this series of patients are pointed out in a discussion of the pathophysiology of the syndrome. Increased transmural pressure is not a common cause of tracheal dyskinesia and infection as well. The possibility of a temporary intrinsic anomaly of the tracheal wall is suggested. Even if its exact mechanism remains unknown, tracheal dyskinesia is a distinct entity observed in infants and children. It appears as a common cause of recurrent bronchopulmonary disease in the young.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Recurrent respiratory disease and IgA deficiency in infants and children (author's transl)].

Among nearly 1 300 infants and children studied for chronic or recurrent respiratory diseases 36 of them had plasma and/or salivary IgA deficiency. They were 1 to 13 years of age with 20 between 3 to 6 years; 11 had total, lack or traces of salivary IgA, 9 had very low or nul plasma IgA titer and 6 had both. The deficiency was transitory in 10. Associated abnormalities with potential liability for the disease: allergy, gastroesophageal reflux, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and other immunologic deficiency were encountered in 26. The often multifactorial pattern of respiratory diseases in pediatrics is emphasized. The pathogenic role of IgA deficiency is discussed. Even though its responsibility is demonstrated, its real magnitude and extent requires further studies.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in children. A study of 5 cases (author's transl)].

Five cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in children are reported. Four had the pattern of bird breeder's disease and one of aspergillus lung hypersensitivity. All were clearly defined by clinical, radiological, functional and immunologic features. The possible difficulties in diagnosis are emphasized. The disease might be frequently overlooked and its frequency underestimated in children. The diagnostic value of precipitating antibodies is discussed. Although some immunologic studies suggest immune complex mechanisms, recent experimental and clinical data are in favor of a role for cell-mediated immunity. In addition whether or not immunological damage is to occur and result into disease depends not merely upon the characteristics of the antigen exposure. Genetic and/or acquired individual differences in immune reactivity can play a definite role as well. The risk of secondary pulmonary fibrosis and chronic respiratory failure in untreated patients is emphasized. Immunologic and functional tests for identification of the provoking antigen and ceasing of contamination exposure are urgent : they are also useful for monitoring steroid therapy.

Adolescent↗