Lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis in children is a violation in the lymphatic system, accompanied by hyperplasia (increased growth) of lymphoid tissue, endocrine system dysfunctions, changes in reactivity and a decrease in the protective properties of the children's body immunity.
What leads
Hyperplasia of the cells of the lymphatic system leads to the development of thymomegaly - an increase in the thymus (or, in other words, the thymus gland), which is responsible for the state of the immune system and the production of hormones. Normally, the thymus gland is completely formed in childhood, and after overcoming the teenage period, the reverse processes begin to occur in it. With the development of thymomegaly in children , not only an increase in the size of this gland is observed, but its reverse development is also delayed, which provokes the appearance of immune and endocrine disorders.
It would seem that the increase in the number of lymphocytes that develops in a child with a given constitutional abnormality should only strengthen his immunity and activate the body's protective reserves. But, unfortunately, this does not happen. The number of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues and blood really increases rapidly, however, they do not ripen, which means they can not fully fulfill their primary purpose.
Causes of occurrence
Medicine has not yet established the causes of lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis in children. It is known that this pathology is most often observed in weakened and premature babies. In addition, it is believed that the presence of chronic endocrine pathologies in the mother also affects the formation of this process.
The risk of developing this kind of allergy (diathesis) is determined by the course of various pathologies in the mother. In this case, conditions such as:
- lack of labor;
- prompt childbirth;
- fetal hypoxia;
- birth injuries.
Equally important is the general condition of the newborn and the pathologies present.
How is the pathological process
Lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis in children is characterized by an increase and damage to the adrenal cortex. The formation of hypocorticism provokes a limiting decrease in blood pressure in combination with muscle hypotension. At the same time, the pituitary gland is activated, which causes increased production of ACTH and STH hormones.
Lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis in children leads to a decrease in the synthesis of catecholamines and glucocorticoids, which contributes to the formation of mineralocorticoids and secondary hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue and thymus including. With this pathology in children, the following are noted:
- imbalance of water-salt metabolism;
- intolerance to stressful situations;
- frequent disorders of blood microcirculation;
- high permeability of the walls of blood vessels of the circulatory system.
As a result, toxicosis develops, increased mucus production in the bronchial tree and the formation of asthmatic syndrome.
Lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis in children is characterized by an increase in the thymus, complicated by hereditary defects of the immune system with a decrease in immunity. This leads to frequent morbidity of acute respiratory viral infections with severe symptoms and high fever. Usually, a similar pathology forms by 3 years of life and ends by the puberty period.
Clinical course
With the development of lymphatic and hypoplastic diathesis in children, there are usually no specific specific clinical manifestations and complaints. However, the diagnosis reveals many common physiological and pathological symptoms. Typically, these children are overweight, and this is noticeable from the first days of life. They have pale, delicate skin and excessive sweating. The skin of the feet and palms is wet to the touch.
Lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis in children is characterized by lethargy and irritability, such children are usually inactive and apathetic. They have rapid fatigue, a lag in psychomotor development, and a decrease in blood pressure. Such children do not tolerate changes in the environment and conflicts in the family. It is difficult for them to adapt to the new conditions.
With exudative diathesis (photo below), frequent allergic rashes are observed, localized mainly on the buttocks and lower extremities. In the skin folds, diaper rash and marbling of the skin may occur.
They have an increase in all organs in which lymphoid tissue is present . This manifests itself in the form of an almost constant increase:
- lymph nodes;
- tonsils and adenoids;
- spleen (can be accidentally detected during ultrasound).
The physique of children suffering from this anomaly is disproportionate: when examined, excessively long limbs and an uneven distribution of the subcutaneous fat layer are revealed (most of it is localized in the lower body).
Insidious disease
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids should alert parents and a pediatrician. If a similar indicator is present without exacerbation, then during the illness they will become even greater. In this case, hypertrophy of the adenoids and tonsils can block the access of oxygen to the respiratory tract and disrupt the swallowing process. In addition, their increase often leads to a protracted course of colds, accompanied by a runny nose.
Hypertrophy of tonsils and adenoids requires surgical intervention, since it can provoke oxygen starvation of organs and systems of the body, as well as affect the state of the brain. Such phenomena provoke the development of attention deficit disorder and memory impairment, which subsequently affects school performance. Over time, a lack of oxygen begins to affect its appearance. With lympho-hypoplastic diathesis in children (photos of numerous medical sources indicate this), in the structure of the cranium there are such specific changes as:
- the upper jaw increases and begins to protrude;
- the mouth almost always remains half open;
- the face turns pale;
- swelling appears.
These signs are slowly formed, but if they appear, they remain for life. It is already impossible to remove them, even if the adenoids are removed operatively.
Other features
In children with this pathology, some deviations in the development of internal organs are often observed. Often the formation of lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis is reflected in the development of the heart. Parents of such children should be concerned about the frequent pallor or blueness of the nasolabial triangle and apnea, especially during sleep.
In addition, they have multiple signs of dysembryogenesis: enlarged blood vessels, kidneys, external genitalia, endocrine glands, and also have small malformations. This allows us to define this phenomenon as lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis.
Diagnostics
Typically, such a pathology is diagnosed on the basis of information obtained after examination and collection of the patient’s history. In this case, the state of the lymph nodes without exacerbation of any diseases and the hypertrophy of the tonsils and adenoids are taken into account.
With the help of a chest x-ray, changes in the thymus gland are often detected. In addition, specific changes in the heart are possible. With lymphatic-hypoplastic diathesis in children during an ultrasound diagnosis, an increase in the spleen is observed with normal liver sizes.
Laboratory research
When conducting laboratory blood tests in children suffering from this pathology, signs of absolute and relative lymphocytosis, neutro- and monocytopenia are detected. Blood biochemistry shows a decrease in blood glucose, as well as an increase in cholesterol and phospholipids.
When conducting an immunogram, a decrease in IgA, IgG, the number of T- and B-lymphocytes, a violation of the ratio of T-helpers / T-suppressors, and an increased concentration of circulating immune complexes are detected. Decreases in the concentration of thymus gland factors in the blood and 17-ketosteroids in urine tests are determined.
Treatment of lymphatic and hypoplastic diathesis in children
To date, there is no specific treatment for this pathological condition. Of great importance for strengthening the child’s immunity are frequent walks and games in the fresh air, adherence to the daily routine and the implementation of wellness exercises.
Doctors very often with children with lympho-hypoplastic diathesis recommend adaptogens (ginseng tincture, glycyram, licorice root, eleutherococcus extract), which must be taken in courses. In some cases, the child may be prescribed bificol, bifidumbacterin and calcium preparations.
A good result can bring the drug "Lymphomiazot", which helps to normalize the lymphatic system. In some cases, it reduces the size of the tonsils and adenoids.
With rapid adenoid growths, modern medicine offers their removal with the help of surgical interventions. Of course, such procedures are carried out only with the complete absence of nasal breathing or with frequent relapses of inflammatory pathologies of the respiratory system.
Since with such phenomena, children suffer from severe allergic reactions, it is necessary to ensure a complete and balanced diet. The use of products containing synthetic dyes and preservatives is unacceptable.
In such conditions, self-treatment cannot be used, since there remains a risk of worsening the well-being of a weakened organism. Any therapy should be prescribed by a doctor.
Diet and nutrition
Feeding should be administered gradually and with caution, observing possible inadequate reactions of the body.
Particular attention in this case requires the introduction of milk and dairy products. Such food should appear in the baby’s diet no earlier than 8 months. In addition, it is necessary to limit the use of sweets. In this case, the children's menu should contain fruits and vegetables corresponding to seasonality and locality. All foods used should be low allergenic.
Forecast
Children who have a history of this anomaly are not able to withstand many infections, so they often get sick. Moreover, the clinical picture of diseases in them is more pronounced and is accompanied by a severe course. In early childhood, the condition of children with a diagnosis of thymomegaly should be closely monitored, as there is a risk of suffocation. For frequent colds, nasal congestion, snoring in sleep or sleep apnea, consult an otolaryngologist at night.
According to statistics, the mortality rate of newborns with a diagnosis of thymomegaly is about 10%. Usually, the symptoms of this disease disappear during adolescence during puberty. However, in rare cases, thymo-lymphatic status may remain for life.