Objective: To provide prevalence rates for the most common causes of hemoptysis in children.
Data sources: A systematic review of articles from PubMed, the OVID Cochrane Reviews (1960-2015), and EMBASE (1991-2015) was undertaken. Additional articles were identified by reviewing the bibliographies of selected studies. Search terms included hemoptysis, children, and humans.
Study selection: Only case studies and cohorts that examined the causes of hemoptysis in children (birth to 21 years) were included; at least 10 patients were required of each study.
Data extraction: Inclusion criteria, patient number, age range, patient source, and categorical and specific etiologies of hemoptysis were recorded.
Data synthesis: From the 1,858 studies identified, seven were selected for inclusion. Eighty-nine percent of participants were found to have a specific etiology for hemoptysis. Of the categorical etiologies identified, infection (37.57%), "other causes" (31.79%), heart disease (6.36%), and neoplasia (4.05%) were the most common. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis were the most common specific etiologies identified.
Limitations: By its nature, this study was subject to selection bias and under representation of specific etiologies.
Conclusions: Most pediatric patients presenting with hemoptysis have a specific etiology; pneumonia is the most common. A thorough history, physical exam, and focused laboratory evaluation is recommended for such patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:255-259. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords: children; etiology; hemoptysis; pneumonia; pulmonary disease.
© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.