Reversible Bronchial Obstruction in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025

High-speed Video Microscopy Analysis for First-line Diagnosis of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Published on: January 19, 2022
Hagit Levine1,2, Ophir Bar-On1,2, Vered Nir3
1Pulmonary Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petah-Tikva 49100, Israel.
Background:
Inhaled bronchodilators are frequently used among patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), although neither the effectiveness nor the prevalence of their use is known, due to the paucity of relevant studies.
Methods:
This is a retrospective analysis of pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry results, of patients with PCD from two centers. Correlations were examined of bronchodilator response, with asthma and atopy markers.
Results:
Of 115 patients, 46 (40%) completed spirometry pre- and post-bronchodilation. Of these, 26 (56.5%) demonstrated reversible airway obstruction (increase in %FEV1 predicted ≥ 10%). Obstruction reversibility was not found to be associated with a family history of asthma, blood eosinophil level, elevated IgE, or atopy symptoms. Of the 46 patients who completed bronchodilator spirometry, 29 (63%) were regularly using bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
Conclusions:
More than half of patients with PCD presented with reversible airway obstruction, without any correlation to markers of personal or familial atopy. Inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroid therapies are commonly used for treating PCD. Evaluating bronchodilator response should be considered, and its effectiveness should be further studied.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

