A novel combined treatment for plasminogen deficiency with lung involvement.

Plasminogen deficiency is characterized by fibrin-rich pseudomembrane formation on all mucosal surfaces, particularly the conjunctiva. Respiratory system involvement is common; fibrin often obstructs the upper or lower respiratory tract, causing death. Although many treatments have been applied, no definitive treatment (especially of the respiratory involvement) yet exists. Although excision of tracheobronchial tree membranes affords temporary improvement, this should be performed only for patients in severe respiratory distress; the procedure triggers fibrin redeposition. Here, we share our experience with an 8-year-old plasminogen-deficient female with severe lung involvement; we successfully delivered local tissue plasminogen activator followed by nebulized fresh frozen plasma.

Lung abscess from Staphylococcus aureus after varicella infection in a 3-month-old infant.

Varicella is a common, highly contagious viral infection of childhood. Varicella is a usually benign and self-limited disease, but it can be complicated by severe bacterial infections, especially in immunocompromised hosts. In this study, we describe a previously healthy 3-months-old infant who was admitted with high fever, cough, and respiratory distress, who had a history of varicella infection three weeks before, with exposure from her adolescent, unvaccinated sister. A lung abscess caused by Staphylococcus aureus complicating the varicella infection was discovered. The patient was aggressively treated with drainage of the abscess and intravenous antibiotics and had a good recovery.