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[Milk microaspiration as a cause of recurrent bronchial obstruction in infants]
M Chiappero1, R Assayas, L Sánchez
1Centro de Asistencia Respiratoria Infantil, San Juan, Argentina.
Abstract:
The presence of Lipid-Laden alveolar macrophages (L.L.M.) obtained by pharyngeal aspiration an stained by a modification of the Papanicolau staining procedure as prospectively evaluated in populations of milk-fed infants, under one year old, with a history of two or more episodes of obstructive bronchitis (n = 53), and compared to 29 control infants. Twenty-one infants (39%) with a past history of recurrent bronchitis were positive for the presence of LLM. The absence of LLM in 29 control infants suggest that the aspiration may be one cause of recurrent bronchitis in infants.
Insights
Lipid-Laden alveolar macrophages (LLM) in infants with recurrent bronchitis suggest pharyngeal aspiration may be a cause. Absence of LLM in controls supports this link.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Cellular Biology
- Infant Health
Background:
- Recurrent obstructive bronchitis is common in infants.
- The etiology of recurrent bronchitis in infants is not fully understood.
- Lipid-Laden alveolar macrophages (LLM) are associated with respiratory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of LLM in infants with recurrent obstructive bronchitis.
- To compare LLM presence in affected infants versus healthy controls.
- To explore the potential role of pharyngeal aspiration in infant bronchitis.
Main Methods:
- Pharyngeal aspiration was used to collect samples from infants.
- A modified Papanicolaou staining technique was employed to identify LLM.
- The study prospectively evaluated 53 infants with recurrent bronchitis and 29 control infants.
Main Results:
- Lipid-Laden alveolar macrophages (LLM) were detected in 39% (21/53) of infants with recurrent bronchitis.
- LLM were absent in all 29 control infants.
- A significant association was observed between LLM presence and recurrent bronchitis history.
Conclusions:
- The presence of Lipid-Laden alveolar macrophages (LLM) may indicate pharyngeal aspiration.
- Pharyngeal aspiration is suggested as a potential contributing factor to recurrent bronchitis in infants.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the causal link between aspiration and infant bronchitis.