Therapeutic advances in respiratory disease
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Ther Adv Respir Dis · Oct 2016
Review Case ReportsSpontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema as a complication of asthma in children: case report and literature review.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is an uncommon disorder. It is rarely reported in paediatric patients and may be accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema. It is usually benign and self-limiting, with only supportive therapy being needed, but severe cases may require invasive measures. Asthma exacerbations have classically been described as a cause of SPM. However, detailed descriptions in asthmatic children are scarce. We aimed at improving the current understanding of the features of SPM and subcutaneous emphysema, and outcomes, by means of a case report and a systematic review. ⋯ Early identification of patients at risk of SPM would avoid the high number of under-diagnosed cases. Patients should be treated not only with supportive therapy but also with measures to achieve control of the underlying cause (such as poorly controlled asthma).
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Ther Adv Respir Dis · Oct 2016
Review Case ReportsSpontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema as a complication of asthma in children: case report and literature review.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is an uncommon disorder. It is rarely reported in paediatric patients and may be accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema. It is usually benign and self-limiting, with only supportive therapy being needed, but severe cases may require invasive measures. Asthma exacerbations have classically been described as a cause of SPM. However, detailed descriptions in asthmatic children are scarce. We aimed at improving the current understanding of the features of SPM and subcutaneous emphysema, and outcomes, by means of a case report and a systematic review. ⋯ Early identification of patients at risk of SPM would avoid the high number of under-diagnosed cases. Patients should be treated not only with supportive therapy but also with measures to achieve control of the underlying cause (such as poorly controlled asthma).