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Three children with plastic bronchitis associated with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection

Chikako Terano1, Masaru Miura, Ryuji Fukuzawa

  • 1Department of General Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Three children developed plastic bronchitis following 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection. This condition presented with rapid respiratory distress and whole lung atelectasis, suggesting a link between severe H1N1 and this rare respiratory complication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Plastic bronchitis is a rare condition characterized by the formation of proteinaceous casts in the bronchial tree.
  • The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic caused significant respiratory illness in children worldwide.
  • Understanding the potential complications of influenza virus infections is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • This report details three pediatric cases of plastic bronchitis.
  • All three children had confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection.
  • Common clinical features included rapid and progressive respiratory distress.

Findings:

  • Radiographic findings revealed whole lung atelectasis in all affected children.
  • The clinical presentation suggests a potential association between severe H1N1 influenza and the development of plastic bronchitis.
  • This association highlights a severe, albeit uncommon, complication of H1N1 influenza.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider plastic bronchitis in children presenting with severe respiratory symptoms during H1N1 influenza outbreaks.
  • Early recognition and appropriate management may improve outcomes for children with H1N1-associated plastic bronchitis.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology and incidence of this complication.

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