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A literature review: progress in the study of plastic bronchitis

Huihan Li1, Chi Han1, Danchen Wu1

  • 1Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|May 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Plastic bronchitis (PB) involves airway cast formation. This review synthesizes evidence on pediatric PB, covering risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments to improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare, severe airway disease.
  • Characterized by branching casts in airways, it poses life-threatening risks, especially in children.
  • Recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances necessitate a knowledge synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize current evidence on plastic bronchitis (PB).
  • To examine risk factors, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of PB.
  • To highlight recent advances in diagnostic imaging, bronchoscopy, and pharmacotherapy for pediatric PB.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search across multiple electronic databases.
  • Analysis of historical and recent studies on plastic bronchitis.
  • Focus on five critical domains: risk factors, pathology, clinical features, treatment, and prognosis.

Main Results:

  • Current evidence on PB risk factors, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation synthesized.
  • Recent advances in diagnostic imaging (e.g., CT scans) and interventional bronchoscopy detailed.
  • Emerging pharmacological therapies and their potential impact on PB management discussed.

Conclusions:

  • Plastic bronchitis is a serious pediatric condition requiring enhanced awareness.
  • Improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including advanced imaging and bronchoscopy, are crucial.
  • Further research into novel treatments is needed to improve management and prognosis for pediatric PB.

Keywords:
childfontanmycoplasma pneumoniaepathogenesisplastic bronchitisvirus

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