Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans in children: a review of 42 cases

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, radiological features and outcomes of 42 children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO). METHODS: Forty-two children diagnosed with PIBO were prospectively studied at the First Hospital of Jilin University in northern China between January, 2008 and January, 2013. Their clinical characteristics, lung high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings and pulmonary function tests were reported. RESULTS: In children with PIBO, adenovirus was the most common etiologic agent (21/42), followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae). All of the patients presented with repeated wheezing and tachypnea. In addition, 22 patients required intensive management, while six patients required home oxygen therapy. HRCT findings were consistent with the PIBO diagnosis in all of the patients. Pulmonary function testing was useful in evaluating therapeutic responses. Systemic steroids combined with azithromycin were effective for PIBO treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Severe adenovirus bronchiolitis and M. pneumoniae infections have a higher risk of development for PIBO. HRCT and pulmonary function testing are useful in the diagnosis of PIBO. The degree of airway obstruction did not differ significantly between adenovirus and M. pneumoniae. A combination of steroids and azithromycin offers some benefit in treating these patients.