ATS Guidelines on childhood ILDs

By Dr Deepu

ATS guidelines on childhood ILDs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in infants is caused by entities that are distinct from those that cause ILD in older children and adults. Growing recognition and understanding of the various entities that cause ILD in children has led to the need for improved classification and evaluation. A committee was convened by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) to develop guidelines to inform clinicians, patients, and organizations regarding the classi- fication, evaluation, and management of childhood ILD (chILD).

         There is growing recognition and understanding of the entities that cause interstitial lung disease (ILD) in infants. These entities are distinct from those that cause ILD in older children and adults.

    A multidisciplinary panel was convened to develop evidence based guidelines on the classification, diagnosis, and management of ILD in children, focusing on neonates and infants under 2 years of age. Recommendations were formulated using a systematic approach. Outcomes considered important included the accuracy of the diagnostic evaluation, complications of delayed or incorrect diagnosis, psychosocial complications affecting the patient’s or family’s quality of life, and death.  

 After common causes of DLD are excluded, neonates and infants with childhood ILD syndrome should be evaluated by a knowledgeable subspecialist. The evaluation may include echocardiography, controlled ventilation high-resolution computed tomography, infant pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, genetic testing, and/or lung biopsy. Preventive care, family education, and support are essential.

Download the full article here – ILD GUIDELINES