Abstract
A retrospective study of autopsies of children with the diagnosis of AIDS was done. From March 1983 to September 1986 a total of 24 autopsies were done in children with AIDS at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Twenty three cases were reviewed as to the pulmonary pathology. In 21 cases the primary cause of death was pulmonary. Of these, 12 (57%) had a Gram negative (G-) bacterial pathogen alone or in combination with Lymphoid Intersticial Pneumonitis (LIP) or Pneumocystis carinii (POP). Of the 21 cases 8 (38%) had LIP. Four of the 8 also had G- pneumonia (Pseudomonas auriginosa, E.coli). One case of LIP with Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia, 2 cases of LIP and Cytomegalvirus (CMV), and one case of LIP and PCP. The histological changes of diffuse alveolar damage and barotrauma correlate well clinically with the number of days on ventilatory support, and oxygen concentration utilized. None of the patients expired as a consequence of LIP alone. Our data indicates: %1 Multiple pathogens appear to play an important role in end stage respiratory failure in these children. # 2 LIP alone does not appear to be a cause of end stage respiratory failure, however, LIP alone with either viral or bacterial pathogens account for 38% of the pulmonary pathologic diagnosis. % 3 G- Bacterial pathogens play an important role in end stage respiratory failure in AIDS. # 4 The use of systemic steroids for the treatment of LIP in end stage, would be contraindicated in light of the mixed pulmonary pathogens.
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Adams, J., Birriel, J., Saldana, M. et al. 28. PULMONARY FINDINGS IN POSTMORTEM EXAMINATIONS OF PEDIATRIC ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS). Pediatr Res 23, 651 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198806000-00051
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198806000-00051