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Etiology and clinical features of infection-associated plastic bronchitis in children

Feng Huang1, Wenjing Gu1, Jianfeng Diwu2

  • 1Department of Respiration, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No. 303 Jing De Road, Suzhou, 215003, China.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|September 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Boca virus are key causes of pediatric plastic bronchitis (PB). Clinical features of PB differ significantly based on the specific pathogen involved, impacting treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare but serious condition characterized by the formation of firm, gelatinous casts in the airways.
  • Understanding the etiological factors and clinical variations in pediatric PB is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the etiological characteristics of plastic bronchitis (PB) in children resulting from pulmonary infections.
  • To identify and compare the clinical features of PB cases associated with different causative pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 45 children diagnosed with PB at Soochow University Children's Hospital (July 2021 - March 2023).
  • Data collection included clinical characteristics, pathogen identification via electronic bronchoscopy, and analysis of clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Boca virus were the most common pathogens identified in 84.4% of patients.
  • MP-induced PB occurred in older children (avg. 7.46 years) with high fever and hyporespiration, and more complications (pleural effusion, elevated liver enzymes).
  • Boca virus-induced PB occurred in younger children, presenting with moderate fever and wheezing, primarily showing atelectasis without pleural effusion.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Boca virus are the predominant pathogens causing plastic bronchitis in children.
  • Significant variations in clinical manifestations, complications, and bronchoscopic findings exist between MP- and Boca virus-induced PB.
Abstract

Keywords:
Boca virusElectronic bronchoscopyInfectionMycoplasma pneumoniaPlastic bronchitis

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