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Tracheobronchial foreign bodies in infants
1Department of Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery, St. John's Medical College Hospital, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Johnnagara, Bangalore 560034, India.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|August 4, 2009
Summary
This study highlights that tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration (FBA) in infants often presents with cough, respiratory distress, and stridor. Prompt diagnosis and bronchoscopic intervention lead to favorable outcomes with no mortality.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a frequent cause of respiratory distress in young children.
- Existing literature primarily focuses on toddlers, with limited data on infants.
- This study specifically addresses FBA in infants, a vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation of FBA in infants.
- To analyze the management strategies employed for infant FBA.
- To evaluate the outcomes of infants treated for tracheobronchial foreign bodies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 102 infants undergoing bronchoscopy for suspected FBA (1997-2007).
- Analysis of demographic data, clinical features, and diagnostic findings.
- Evaluation of post-bronchoscopy events and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- The commonest foreign body was a peanut cotyledon.
- The clinical triad of cough, respiratory distress, and stridor was highly predictive.
- Despite challenges like normal initial findings, bronchoscopy ensured successful retrieval with no mortality.
- Average hospital stay was 1.4 days, with all infants asymptomatic at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- A high index of suspicion is crucial for diagnosing FBA in infants.
- Combining history, physical signs, and radiology improves diagnostic accuracy.
- Expertise and endoscopic equipment are vital for favorable outcomes in infant FBA.
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