All issues > Volume 52(3); 2009

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2009;52(3):324-329. Published online March 15, 2009.

Nationwide surveillance of acute interstitial pneumonia in Korea

Byoung-Ju BJ Kim¹, Han A HA Kim¹, Young-Hwa YH Song¹, Jinho Jh Yu¹, Seonguk Sg Kim¹, Seong Jong SJ Park¹, Kyung Won KW Kim², Kyu-Earn KE Kim², Dong Soo DS Kim², June Dong JD Park³, Kang Mo KM Ahn⁴, Hyo-Bin HB Kim⁵, Hyang-Min HM Jung⁶, Chun C Kang⁶, Soo-Jong SJ Hong¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
³Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
⁴Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
⁵Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
⁶Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Soo-Jong SJ Hong ,Email: sjhong@amc.seoul.kr

Abstract

Purpose
: Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a rare disease, but its prognosis is fatal because of lack of efficient treatment modality. Recently, it has been reported that there was epidemic AIP in Korea. This study aims to investigate the past and current status of AIP in Korea.
Methods
: We performed a nationwide survey and a prospective study. From August 6 to 15, 2008, a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the prevalence, local distribution, and response to current treatments. The questionnaire was answered by pediatrician working in 23 referral centers in Korea. In addition, 5 referral centers in Seoul performed a preliminary prospective observational study by obtaining clinical data and specimens from appropriate patients. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed the samples for possible pathogens.
Results
: The survey showed 78 AIP cases had occurred and 36 patients had died. Lung biopsy was performed only on 20 patients. In 2008, 9 AIP cases developed. In a prospective study, 9 (M:F=5:4) patients developed AIP in spring and 7 (78%) died, with the mean rate of death occurring 46 days after diagnosis. Human corona virus 229E, cytomegalovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and parainfluenza virus were isolated from the respiratory specimens.
Conclusion
: This study showed nationwide prevalence of AIP in Korea. In addition, because of the high mortality rate and rapid progress, pediatricians need to be aware of the disease. Further studies and a nationwide network are required for reducing the morbidity and mortality rates related to AIP.

Keywords :Acute interstitial pneumonia, Child, Prevalence, Virus