Fatal massive haemoptysis in an African child

Abstract

Haemoptysis is rare in children, yet is one of the most frightening manifestations of cardiopulmonary disease. Haemoptysis is defined as
coughing up blood, which could be mild, less than 150ml / day, large, between 150 and 400ml / day and massive,more than400mls / day. Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis is an uncommon but a known cause of haemoptysis in children in developing countries. Massive haemoptysis is rare but associated with fatal outcome and a high mortality, even in best of centres. Consequently, no consensus about its investigation and management has emerged, with the result that much time may be lost in inappropriate investigations and treatmentmay be misdirected.

Keywords: Massive haemoptysis in an African child.