Difficulties in the etiological approach and the management of bronchiectasis in children

Abstract

Introduction: At present, there is no codified strategy to explore or to treat bronchiectasis. The aim of our study was to raise the difficulties of bronchiectasis etiological diagnosis and their management in Tunisian children. Patients and methods: Our study was retrospective including children referred for bronchiectasis exploration between 2003 and 2015. Results: Our 28 children were aged 6.7 years on average. The recurrent pulmonary infections were the most frequent circumstance of discovery (n=20). The mean time for diagnosis was four years. The middle lobe was the most affected (n=14). The etiology of the bronchiectasis, found in 18 cases, was often congenital (n=12). All patients had a medical treatment. Surgery was conducted in two cases. Conclusion: In the absence of a codified strategy of investigation, clinical interview and physical examination can direct the etiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis in children. The congenital origin, especially primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis, was dominant.