Therapeutic flexible bronchoscopy in child with cystic fibrosis

Amina Selimović1

  • 1Pediatric Clinic of the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo, Bolnicka 25, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Insights

This case report details a 10-year-old cystic fibrosis (CF) patient experiencing respiratory decline. Therapeutic bronchoscopy identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to targeted antibiotic and mucolytic treatment, improving her condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Pediatrics
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hyper-viscous mucus and chloride malabsorption.
  • Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, sweat chloride tests, imaging (X-ray, CT thorax), and genetic confirmation of CFTR gene mutations.
  • Chronic CF patients often develop bronchiectasis and are susceptible to bacterial infections like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Observation:

  • A 10-year-old girl with chronic CF presented with respiratory deterioration, fever, cough, and dyspnea.
  • Despite conservative antibiotic treatment, her condition worsened, necessitating flexible bronchoscopy.
  • Bronchoscopy revealed significant mucus plugging and inflammation, particularly in the right middle lobe.

Findings:

  • Flexible bronchoscopy identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen in CF patients.
  • Therapeutic bronchoscopy included local administration of antibiotics (gentamicin), mucolytics (Pulmozyme), and steroids.
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed to clear secretions and reduce inflammation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of flexible bronchoscopy in managing refractory CF exacerbations.
  • Targeted antimicrobial and mucolytic therapy guided by bronchoscopy can effectively manage Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in CF.
  • Prompt intervention improved the patient's respiratory status, as evidenced by follow-up chest X-ray.

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