Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children: Aetiology, clinical profile and outcome in a single unit

Abstract

Background: Bronchiectasis is characterized by irreversible dilatation of the bronchial tree. Though cystic fibrosis (CF) is the commonest cause in the western world, non-CF causes are the major contributors in South Asia and are a major contributor to chronic respiratory morbidity. Objectives: To analyse a group of children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis diagnosed in a resource poor setting regarding aetiology, clinical profile and outcome. Method: A chart review of 32 children presented /referred to a single unit over a period of 18 months were diagnosed by high resolution CT scan. Lung functions were assessed using spirometry. Results: Thirty two children (girls 20) with non-CF bronchiectasis with a mean age of 7.7 years (SD =3.42) were studied. Bilateral lung involvement was seen in 10 patients. Restrictive lung disease was seen at spirometry in 11. An identifiable aetiology was found in 24 children out of which 16 were thought to be post infective. Postural drainage was satisfactory in 15 and 3 children were dependent on home oxygen. Conclusions: An identifiable cause of non-CF bronchiectasis was found in 75% patients. The commonest cause identified was post infective.