Investigating the Role of Open Lung Biopsy in Diagnosing the Type of Chronic Lung Disease in Children

Objective: This study was conducted for the practical use of biopsy in the diagnosis of chronic lung disease and the guidance of risks and benefits. Design of Study: We studied 64 children with chronic lung disease who underwent open lung biopsy in 5 years at the Children's Medical Center . Results: Biopsy results were diagnostic in 57 cases (89.1%) and non-diagnostic in 7 cases (10.9%). The biopsy determined the type of mass in all cases where a possible diagnosis of lung mass or thoracic wall was made. In 37 cases (57.8%) the diagnosis was changed and the exact diagnosis was determined. The main side effects (including pneumothorax, hemothorax, pyothorax, and pleural effusion) were 50% (32 cases), the most common of which were pneumothorax and pleural effusion, with a total of more than 87% of these major complications. 22 patients (34.4%) required intubation. 24 patients (37.5%) were admitted to the ICU after surgery. The death occurred in only one case, who was a 3-month-old boy with a disorder of INR and suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome. There was no mortality that could be directly related to surgery. Conclusion: Open lung biopsy is a gold standard for the histological diagnosis of chronic pulmonary disease in children and plays an important role in the treatment of children with chronic pulmonary diseases. However, serious and common side effects of this method should be considered