Pulmonary function in children with sarcoidosis.

To document pulmonary function abnormalities in children with sarcoidosis, we reviewed the records of all children with this disease at the North Carolina Memorial Hospital. Spirometry was performed by 34 of 60 children at initial presentation and was repeated by 16 at least 1 yr after presentation (mean, 3.9 yr). Those with and without pulmonary function data available were similar in age, sex, race, and clinical manifestations at presentation. Results indicate that at presentation, 50% of children had the characteristic functional changes of restrictive lung disease (mean % predicted FVC, 79.8 +/- 16.0). Fifteen percent had a FVC of 70 to 80% predicted, 32% had a FVC of 50 to 70% predicted, and 3% had a FVC less than 50% predicted. The TLC and FRC supported the diagnosis of restrictive lung disease. There were 15% who had obstructive changes. Children with auscultatory abnormalities and parenchymal changes on chest radiograph had more severe decrements in pulmonary function; however, specific symptoms did not predict decrements in pulmonary function. There was significant improvement in lung function at the last pulmonary function test performed (mean % predicted FVC, 97.1 +/- 18.8).