Bronchiectasis in Children: A Case Series Study from Iran

Background: Bronchiectasis in childhood is still one of the most common causes of childhood morbidity in developing countries. The management of these patients remains problematic, and there are few studies of long-term outcome. The aim of this retrospective study was to define the general characteristics, underlying causative factors, radiologic and laboratory findings of bronchiectatic patients.
Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients with bronchiectasis, who had referred to National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD) in Iran, were reviewed during a 6-year period (1999-2005). General characteristics and underlying causes were recorded from the medical reports.
Results: Mean age of patients was 12.39 ± 4.1 years at presentation. Forty-six percent were females and 54% were males. The most common clinical symptom was chronic productive cough. According to HRCT-Scan results, RML and lingula were the main affected regions. The most common etiology of bronchiectasis was idiopathic followed by cystic-fibrosis and mucociliary dyskinesia. Four patients with CF expired due to pulmonary insufficiency.
Conclusion: In conclusion, bronchiectasis remains a disease of concern to pediatricians, particularly in developing countries. Infections are still important causes of bronchiectasis, and clinical improvement can be achieved by appropriate medical and supportive treatment. Although medical treatment is the mainstay of management, surgery should be considered in selected patients.