Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis (IPH) to explore the aetiopathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis and experiences in therapy of IPH.
Methods: The documents of 28 IPH cases, who were hospitalized in Children's Hospital of Fudan University between February 1989 and June 2009 were reviewed.
Results: (i) fifteen cases were males and 13 were females, and 88.5% of the cases had first onset under the age of 10 years; (ii) the triad occurred in 57.1% cases; (iii) radiographic features of IPH including diffuse alveolar-type infiltrates, ground glass attenuation, interstitial reticular and micronodular patterns; (iv) haemosiderin-laden macrophages were found in 60.7% of the cases;(v) the trend of positive correlation was found between the severity of ventilatory restrictive pattern and the disease courses (r = 0.229, p = 0.237); and (vi) glucocorticosteroids can control the symptoms.
Conclusion: (i) the clinical presentations are not classical. If long-term anaemia exists without reason, this case must be considered; (ii) corticosteroid can control the symptom; and (iii) IPH may be associated with the imbalance of immune system.