Heiner syndrome in infants: case report
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Abstract
Introduction: Heiner syndrome (HS) is a rare condition marked by
pulmonary hemorrhage in children with cow milk protein allergy.
The delay in diagnosis may postpone treatment and progress to an
unfavorable outcome. Objective: To present a case of HS in which early
diagnostic suspicion was crucial to avoid progression to greater severity,
and even death. Case description: Ten-month-old infant with a previous
diagnosis of cow milk protein allergy who evolved with hemoptysis,
alveolar hemorrhage (presence of radiological alteration compatible
with bleeding), weight loss, and anemia. Causes of alveolar bleeding,
such as infectious, autoimmune, and rheumatic diseases, were excluded
due to the similarity of symptoms. Comments: The diagnosis in infants
is made by investigating siderophages in gastric and bronchoalveolar
lavages because it is less invasive than lung biopsy in this age group. The
treatment was systemic corticosteroid therapy (first line of treatment
for this condition) and restricted milk protein diet; there was clinical and
radiological improvement.
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