Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in children.

BACKGROUND/AIM Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillus (ABPA) is a lung disease caused by hypersensitivity from Aspergillus fumigatus. Diagnostic criteria, staging systems and treatment methods for ABPA disease have been reported in studies evaluating populations, the majority of which are adult patients. Our study aimed to discuss the validity of the ABPA diagnosis criteria recommended in adult patients on children, the success of other treatment regimens alternative to oral corticosteroids and the changes that develop during the treatment with the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 2017 and 2020, patients diagnosed with ABPA at the Dokuz Eylul University Child Allergy and Immunology clinic were identified; demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostic scores and stages, treatment protocols were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS The mean age of patients diagnosed with ABPA was 14.33±1.96. At the time of ABPA diagnosis, the median Total IgE level was 1033 IU/mL (1004-6129), and the median AF specific IgE was 10.64 (2.59-49.70) kU/L. High dose inhaled corticosteroids and oral itraconazole treatment was the preferred regimen, especially in our patients with asthma with ABPA. CONCLUSION Today, although risk factors have been investigated for ABPA, it has not been revealed clearly. Both diagnostic criteria and treatment regimens have been described in research studies, mostly adults. In pediatric patients; clarification of diagnosis and treatment algorithms is necessary to prevent irreversible lung tissue damage and possible drug side effects.