Abstract
Pulmonary involvement is known to occur in AM including extensive and prolonged x-ray findings. The physiologic severity and long-term significance of these abnormalities is unknown. We performed serial pulmonary function tests (PFT) in 6 previously healthy children (mean age 11) hospitalized with AM confirmed serologically. Four of 6 had no specific respiratory symptoms, while 1 child presented with acute respiratory failure. Chest x-rays demonstrated infiltrates and nodules, but no effusions. In addition to arterial blood gases, PFT's included spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity performed 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after admission. Mean PaO2 on admission was 59 mm Hg (range 42-70). PaO2 reverted to normal in 4 children by 2 weeks, and in all 6 by 4 weeks. PFT's initially were severely restricted. Values as % of predicted were: Vital Capacity 55%; Total Lung Capacity 59%; Diffusion Capacity 47%. Decreased exercise tolerance correlated with PFT changes, but x-ray findings did not. PFT's reverted to normal in 3 of 6 by 4 weeks, and in the remaining 3 by 8, 8, and 12 weeks. These studies suggest that the physiologic changes associated with AM are extremely variable. AM may be a cause of life-threatening respiratory insufficiency in previously healthy children. Physiologic changes of the restrictive type may exist despite lack of symptoms. These abnormalities may persist for months, but do not result in permanent damage despite persistence of x-ray abnormalities.
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Hall, W., Hall, C. & Smith, D. PROLONGED PULMONARY FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES FOLLOWING ATYPICAL MEASLES (AM). Pediatr Res 11, 572 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01214
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01214