Persistent tachypnea in children: keep pulmonary embolism in mind.

PURPOSE: Tachypnea in children is associated with respiratory disorders and nonrespiratory disorders such as cardiac disease, metabolic acidosis, fever, pain, and anxiety. Pulmonary embolism is seldom considered by pediatricians as a cause of tachypnea.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Three children of various ages with persistent tachypnea are described: a girl after orthopedic surgery for kyphoscoliosis, a boy with nephrotic syndrome, and a neonate with Hirschsprung disease. Other causes of tachypnea were diagnosed and treated before pulmonary embolism was considered.

RESULTS

Ventilation-perfusion scanning appeared to be highly probable for pulmonary embolism in these patients. Anticoagulant therapy was started.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary embolism should be kept in mind in children with tachypnea, especially when other risk factors for venous thromboembolism are present, to avoid delay in anticoagulant treatment and a fatal outcome.