Diagnostic clues in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis of children.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in children is a heterogeneous group of progressive disorders characterized by variable extents of inflammation and interstitial deposition of collagen fibers with numerous putative triggers. Children affected with this condition show breathlessness, non-productive cough and bibasilar/inspiratory dry rales. Diagnosis can be obtained by the exclusion of all known causes of fibrosing alveolitis such as neoplasms, toxic treatments, collagen vascular diseases, occupational exposure or granulomatous diseases.
Rigante
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Department of Pediatric Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. drigante@libero.it
Stabile
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D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests