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Bronchiectasis: still a problem
G B Karakoc1, M Yilmaz, D U Altintas
1Pediatric Allergy-Immunology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey. gulbin2@yahoo.com
Insights
Infection is the primary cause of bronchiectasis (BR) in children in this region. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this serious lung condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Bronchiectasis (BR) prevalence is declining in industrialized nations but remains high in developing countries.
- Understanding regional causes and clinical presentations of pediatric BR is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the causes and clinical features of bronchiectasis in a cohort of 23 children.
- To identify common etiologies and patterns of lung involvement in pediatric BR.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 23 pediatric patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis.
- Review of medical history, diagnostic workup, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Infection was the leading cause of BR, often following tuberculosis or pneumonia.
- Associated conditions included immune deficiency (4), asthma (4), cystic fibrosis (4), and ciliary dyskinesia (3).
- Left lower lobe involvement was most common (7 patients), with 13 patients presenting with multilobar disease.
Conclusions:
- Infection is a significant driver of pediatric bronchiectasis in this region.
- A spectrum of underlying conditions, including genetic disorders, contributes to BR development.
- Prompt medical management is indicated, with surgical intervention reserved for refractory cases.
Abstract:
The prevalence of bronchiectasis (BR) has decreased significantly in industrialized countries, but is still commonplace in developing countries. We evaluated the causes and clinical features of BR in 23 children (13 boys (57%) and 10 girls (43%), with a mean age of 8.45 +/- 4.02 years). Infection was the major cause of BR in our region. In 8 patients, BR developed after tuberculosis or pneumonia, was associated with immune deficiency syndromes in 4 children, and with asthma in 4. Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed in 4 cases and ciliary dyskinesia in 3. In 10 patients, only one lobe was involved. Bronchiectatic lesions were most commonly found in the left lower lobe and were observed in 7 patients. Multilobar involvement was found in 13 patients. The initial treatment was primarily medical, but in 2 patients whose medical therapy failed, pulmonary resection was carried out. Three patients died from severe pulmonary infection and respiratory failure.