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[Value of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy under local anesthesia in infants]
E Bodart1, M De Lange, A Vliers
1Unité de Pneumologie Pédiatrique, Cliniques Universitaires UCL de Mont-Godinne, Yvoir, Belgique.
Insights
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy under local anesthesia is a safe and effective diagnostic tool for infants under 30 months. This procedure accurately diagnosed conditions in 14 out of 16 infants with minor, transient adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Context:
- Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a key diagnostic tool in pediatric respiratory medicine.
- Evaluating infants with complex respiratory symptoms requires safe and effective diagnostic methods.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy under local anesthesia in infants aged 5 to 25 months.
- To determine the diagnostic yield and complication rate of the procedure in this age group.
Summary:
- 16 infants (5-25 months) underwent flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy under local anesthesia.
- Indications included pneumonia, atelectasis, airway compression, foreign body, interstitial lung disease, and wheezing.
- The procedure yielded accurate diagnoses in 14 cases with minor, transient adverse events (hypoxia, fever, laryngospasm).
Impact:
- Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy under local anesthesia is a safe, simple, and effective diagnostic and therapeutic option for infants under 30 months.
- This technique aids in diagnosing a wide range of pediatric respiratory conditions, improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
From October 1991 through April 1992, 16 infants aged 5 to 25 months (mean age 14.3 months) underwent bronchoscopy with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope, under local anesthesia. The technique is described in detail. Reasons for bronchoscopy included recurrent or persistent pneumonia (n = 4), persistent atelectasia (n = 4), lymphadenopathy and/or airway compression (n = 2), suspected foreign body (n = 2), bronchoalveolar lavage to investigate diffuse interstitial lung disease (n = 2), and severe recurrent wheezing (n = 2). The procedure established the accurate diagnosis in 14 cases. Adverse events (32%) were minor (transient hypoxia, n = 3; moderate fever, n = 1; and laryngospasm, n = 1) and resolved completely. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy under local anesthesia is a simple procedure which is safe in patients under 30 months of age when performed by a experienced operator in an adequate facility. This method is useful for the diagnosis and/or treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions.