A clinical overview of paediatric sarcoidosis: Multicentre experience from Turkey

Objectives We aimed to outline the demographic data, clinical spectrum, and treatment approach of sarcoidosis in a large group of patients and sought to figure out the variations of early-onset (EOS) and late-onset paediatric sarcoidosis (LOS). Methods The study followed a retrospective-descriptive design, with the analysis of medical records of cases diagnosed as paediatric sarcoidosis. Results Fifty-two patients were included in the study. The median age at disease onset and follow-up duration were 83 (28.2-119) and 24 (6-48) months, respectively. Ten (19.2%) cases had EOS (before 5th birthday) and 42 (80.7%) cases had LOS. The most common clinical findings at the time of the disease onset were ocular symptoms (40.4%) followed by joint manifestation (25%), dermatological symptoms (13.5%), and features related to multi-organ involvement (11.5%). Anterior uveitis was the most common (55%) one among ocular manifestations. Patients with EOS displayed joint, eye, and dermatological findings more commonly than patients with LOS. The recurrence rate of disease in patients with EOS (5.7%) and LOS (21.1%) were not statistically different (P = .7). Conclusions Patients with EOS and LOS may present with variable clinical features and studies addressing paediatric sarcoidosis cases in collaboration between disciplines will enhance the awareness of this rare disease among physicians and assist early diagnosis with lesser complications.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the demographic data, clinical spectrum, and treatment approach of paediatric sarcoidosis. The results showed that there were variations in early-onset and late-onset paediatric sarcoidosis, with different clinical features and recurrence rates. Collaborative studies between disciplines will raise awareness of this rare disease among physicians and facilitate early diagnosis with fewer complications.