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Pulmonary function and long-term follow-up of children with tracheobronchomalacia

Peter Moore1, Holly Smith, Ristan M Greer

  • 1School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Long-term follow-up of primary tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) reveals persistent airway abnormalities. Most children with TBM experience ongoing symptoms, indicating a chronic condition without significant reactive airways disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Airway Diseases

Background:

  • Primary tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) affects large airways, but long-term outcomes remain understudied.
  • Understanding the natural history of TBM is crucial for patient management.
  • Investigating concomitant reactive airways disease is important for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the long-term natural history of primary tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) in children.
  • To assess the presence of reactive airways disease in TBM patients.
  • To correlate clinical symptoms with pulmonary function test results.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 21 children diagnosed with TBM between 1998-2001 was recruited in 2008 for a follow-up study.
  • Parents completed questionnaires on respiratory symptoms; children underwent pulmonary function testing.
  • Bronchial provocation tests or spirometry assessed for reactive airways disease.

Main Results:

  • Data from 19 children showed persistent symptoms in 15, with significantly reduced mean FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF(25-75), and PEF compared to predicted values.
  • Only four participants exhibited a classical TBM flow-volume loop.
  • Reactive airways disease was identified in only one participant (6.7%).

Conclusions:

  • Clinical profiles and pulmonary function suggest persistent mechanical abnormalities in both large and small airways in TBM patients.
  • The study indicates a lack of significant reactive airways disease in this TBM cohort.
  • These findings highlight the chronic nature of TBM and its impact on airway function.
Abstract

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