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Successful treatment with CPAP of two infants with bronchomalacia
Insights
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) significantly improved severe bronchial collapse in two children with bronchomalacia. Symptoms did not return after discontinuing CPAP, suggesting its utility in managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Bronchomalacia is a condition characterized by excessive collapsibility of the airways.
- Severe bronchial collapse can lead to significant respiratory distress in children.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients presented with severe bronchial collapse attributed to bronchomalacia.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was initiated as a treatment intervention.
Findings:
- Both children demonstrated dramatic clinical improvement following the institution of CPAP.
- Following 14 weeks of CPAP therapy, treatment was discontinued without symptom recurrence.
- Subsequent bronchoscopy indicated a reduction in bronchial collapsibility in both patients.
Implications:
- CPAP may serve as a crucial temporizing measure for children experiencing generalized bronchomalacia.
- This intervention can support airway stability during the natural resolution or maturation of the bronchus.
- Further investigation into CPAP as a management strategy for pediatric bronchomalacia is warranted.
Abstract:
Two children with severe bronchial collapse secondary to bronchomalacia improved dramatically after institution of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Treatment was discontinued after 14 weeks without reappearance of symptoms. Repeated bronchoscopy revealed a diminution in the bronchial collapsibility. It is suggested that CPAP should be given if generalised bronchomalacia is present to tide the children over a bad period while the bronchus is becoming more stable.