Question
Dear *, our child, a 15-month-old, suddenly developed a fever on October 29, 2018, and has been coughing for over a week. The child’s face appeared pale with a yellowish tint. After undergoing detailed examinations at the city children’s hospital, the child was diagnosed with iron-hemoglobin pigment deposition in the lungs and was hospitalized for 18 days. Do doctors understand how to treat this condition? Please respond as soon as possible. Thank you very much.
Answer
Iron-hemoglobin pigment deposition in the lungs is a disease of unknown etiology, characterized by hemorrhage in the alveolar capillaries. The hemoglobin is compressed and deposited in the interstitium of the alveoli in the form of iron-hemoglobin pigment, ultimately leading to pulmonary fibrosis. The disease primarily occurs during childhood, most often in infants and preschool children. The pathogenesis may be related to autoimmune mechanisms, but the specific mechanisms are not yet clear. This disease has a long course, with recurrent episodes, and poor long-term prognosis.