RESPIRATORY MANIFESTATIONS OF PEDIATRIC GRANULOMATOSIS WITH
POLYANGIITIS: A 12-YEAR EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE FACILITY
Abstract
Objectives: Pediatric Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is
associated with several pulmonary manifestations. This study aims to
describe these manifestations at time of diagnosis and longitudinally at
a tertiary-care pediatric hospital. Methods: We performed a
retrospective chart review of patients with GPA treated at our facility
between January 1 st 2010 through December 31
st 2021. We collected baseline demographics, reported
symptoms, imaging findings, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and
laboratory data at time of diagnosis. Data were collected using 6-month
observation intervals to follow recurrence of respiratory
manifestations, testing during recurrence, and resultant treatment
modifcations. Results: Of 13 patients treated for GPA during
the study period, 12 developed respiratory tract involvement. A total 87
six-month observation periods were analyzed. At time of diagnosis, 83%
(10/12) of subjects reported respiratory symptoms, 92% (11/12) had
abnormal chest CT imaging, and 42% (5/12) had abnormal PFTs. Fewer than
half of the patients were seen by pulmonology within 6 months of
diagnosis. Eight subjects (75%) had respiratory manifestations during
subsequent observation periods. Chest CT or PFTs were obtained in 23/44
(52%) of observations periods with respiratory symptoms, with pulmonary
consultation in only 9/44 (20%). Conclusions: This is the
first US study to describe respiratory manifestations in pediatric GPA
patients longitudinally, finding they are common and frequently
recurrent. Our cohort had almost universally abnormal imaging at
diagnosis regardless of respiratory symptoms. Early collaboration with
pediatric pulmonology in the care of GPA patients may allow rheumatology
teams to efficiently evaluate recurrent symptoms and address concomitant
lung disease.