Etiologies of hemoptysis in children: A systematic review of 171 patients

To provide prevalence rates for the most common causes of hemoptysis in children.A systematic review of articles from PubMed, the OVID Cochrane Reviews (1960-2015), and EMBASE (1991-2015) was undertaken. Additional articles were identified by reviewing the bibliographies of selected studies. Search terms included hemoptysis, children, and humans.Only case studies and cohorts that examined the causes of hemoptysis in children (birth to 21 years) were included; at least 10 patients were required of each study.Inclusion criteria, patient number, age range, patient source, and categorical and specific etiologies of hemoptysis were recorded.From the 1,858 studies identified, seven were selected for inclusion. Eighty-nine percent of participants were found to have a specific etiology for hemoptysis. Of the categorical etiologies identified, infection (37.57%), "other causes" (31.79%), heart disease (6.36%), and neoplasia (4.05%) were the most common. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis were the most common specific etiologies identified.By its nature, this study was subject to selection bias and under representation of specific etiologies.Most pediatric patients presenting with hemoptysis have a specific etiology; pneumonia is the most common. A thorough history, physical exam, and focused laboratory evaluation is recommended for such patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:255-259. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.