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Blastomycosis, Pediatric

Evan J. Anderson, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Systemic infection caused by the dimorphic soil fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis

  • Dimorphism is characterized by a mold phase (mycelial form) that grows at room temperature and a yeast ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • History of residence or travel to an endemic area is very important.

  • For children with acute pulmonary blastomycosis, the most common presenting symptoms are the following:

    • Cough (may b...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

First Line

  • Although acute pulmonary infections may resolve without treatment, the high rate of progression to extrapulmonary disease leads many experts to recommend treatment for al...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • All azoles can cause hepatitis. Thus, hepatic enzymes should be measured before starting therapy, 2 to 4 weeks after therapy has begun, and ever...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Anderson EJ, Ahn PB, Yogev R, et al. Blastomycosis in children: a study of 14 cases. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc.  2013;2(4):386–390. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Baddley JW, ...

CODES

ICD9

116.0 Blastomycosis 

ICD10

  • B40.9 Blastomycosis, unspecified

  • B40.2 Pulmonary blastomycosis, unspecified

  • B40.7 Disseminated blastomycosis

  • B40.3 Cutaneous blastomycosis

  • B40.8 Other forms of blastomyc...

FAQ

  • Q: When should I suspect blastomycosis?

  • A: Consider blastomycosis in a child with exposure to an endemic blastomycosis area that is presenting with subacute to chronic pneumonia. Oftentimes, these ...

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