Evaluation of Noncystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Using Clinical and Radiological Scorings in Children

The aim of this study was to evaluate radiological, clinical, and demographic data of patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and to compare high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scores based on the demographic and clinical characteristics.

A total of 34 patients (18 male, 16 female) were assessed in terms of age at symptom onset, age at diagnosis, annual attack frequency, cough severity score, physical examination findings, and pulmonary function test results. Modified Bhalla scoring system (B total) and anatomical prevalence degree score (D total) were used for HRCT examination.

There was a strong negative correlation between forced expiratory volume at first second (FEV₁) and bronchial dilatation degree (SBRDIL). There was a moderate negative correlation of FEV₁, forced vital capacity (FVC), and maximum mid-expiratory flow rate (MEF; 25-75) with bronchiectasis degree (EXBRNC), bronchial wall thickness degree (SBWTHICK), and mucus accumulation in the major airways (PMPLA). The B total, D total, EXBRNC, and SBRDIL scores were significantly higher in patients with hemoptysis and sputum. In comparing B and D total scoring systems, B total provided better results in terms of rale, annual exacerbation frequency (AEF), cough severity score (CSS), and FEV₁ values.

As it is proved using HRCT, pulmonary function impairment, sputum production, hemoptysis, and increase in AEF strongly correlating with objective HRCT scoring can be accepted as markers for pathological changes due to bronchiectasis.