Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
Pharmacotherapeutic strategies for treating bronchiectasis in pediatric patients
1a Department of Pediatrics , Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School , Gwangju , Korea.
Insights
Identifying and treating pediatric bronchiectasis early is crucial. Current treatments for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children often lack robust evidence and are extrapolated from adult or cystic fibrosis protocols.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Bronchiectasis in children is increasingly prevalent, leading to significant social and medical costs.
- Early identification and intensive treatment are essential to reduce childhood bronchiectasis morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current pharmacotherapeutic strategies for pediatric bronchiectasis, specifically non-cystic fibrosis cases.
- To highlight the evidence gaps in pediatric bronchiectasis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacotherapeutic strategies for pediatric bronchiectasis.
- Focus on treatments for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children.
Main Results:
- Treatment strategies are often extrapolated from adult or cystic fibrosis protocols due to limited pediatric evidence.
- Antibiotics and airway clearance therapy can stabilize bronchiectasis.
- Timely antibiotic administration during exacerbations is vital for preventing progression.
Conclusions:
- Effective antibiotic protocols (systemic/inhaled, intermittent/continuous) require further study regarding duration and dosage.
- Long-term azithromycin may decrease exacerbations but increases resistance.
- More research is needed to establish evidence-based treatment guidelines for pediatric bronchiectasis.
Introduction:
The social and medical costs of bronchiectasis in children are becoming considerable due to its increasing prevalence. Early identification and intensive treatment of bronchiectasis are needed to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with bronchiectasis in children.
Areas Covered:
This review presents the current pharmacotherapeutic strategies for treating bronchiectasis in children with a focus on non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
Expert Opinion:
Evidence for the effectiveness of diverse treatment strategies in bronchiectasis is lacking, particularly in children, although the disease burden is substantial for bronchiectasis. Most treatment strategies for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children have been extrapolated from those in adults with bronchiectasis or children with cystic fibrosis. Antibiotics combined with an active airway clearance therapy via the inhalation of mucoactive agents can stabilize bronchiectasis. The timely and intensive administration of antibiotics during acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis is essential to prevent its progression in children. To suppress the bacterial loads in the airway, systemic or inhaled antibiotics can be administered intermittently or continuously. However, studies on these protocols, including the appropriate duration and effective dosages are lacking. Long-term administration of azithromycin for 12-24 months may reduce the exacerbation frequency with the increased carriage rate of azithromycin-resistant bacteria.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:52Persuasion Strategies
01:27Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...