title: Paediatric flexible bronchoscopy and its indications.
abstract: Paediatric flexible bronchoscopy (F.B.) with bronchoalveolar lavage (B.A.L.) is an increasingly important investigation. Retrospective review of 180 FB performed over a 5 year period by a single operator was undertaken. Common indications included recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (n = 92, 51%), persistent atelectasis (n = 43, 24%), persistent infiltrates (n = 18, 10%) and persistent consolidation (n = 17, 9%). Normal airway anatomy was identified in the majority (n = 154, 85.5%). Bronchomalacia was identified in 22 cases (12%). Thick purulent secretions were seen in 40 bronchoscopies (22%). Commonest organisms cultured on BAL were H. influenza (n = 22, 12.2%), Streptococcus Pneumoniae (n = 18, 10%) and Staph aureus (n = 9, 5%). Cytomegalo virus (C.M.V.), (n = 4, 2%), candida (n = 1, 0.5%) and aspergillus fumigatus were identified (n = 7, 4%). Bronchoscopic findings frequently guided management (n = 90, 51%). No significant complications occurred. Flexible bronchoscopy procedure, patient and equipment care were in adherence with best practice guidelines. Paediatric F.B. is a safe and useful procedure when clinically indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's University Hospital, Temple St, Dublin 1.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Slattery
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018893:Bronchoalveolar Lavage / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies