The Association between Aminoglycoside Exposure and Ototoxicity in Children with Cystic Fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary exacerbations increase the requirement of aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotics in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Several studies have shown that AGs have a cumulative effect on ototoxicity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between AG exposure and ototoxicity by using 3 different methods in patients with CF. MATERIALS/METHODS: The multicenter study included 121 pwCF aged between 5 and 18 years with a history of parenteral AG exposure. Standard pure-tone audiometry, extended high-frequency pure-tone audiometry (EHF-PTA), and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) tests were performed. Mitochondrial mutation analysis for m1555G>A was performed in 61 patients. RESULTS: Median age was 12.85 years and 52.1% (n = 63) were male. 18.2% (n = 22) of the patients had received parenteral AGs more than 5 courses/lifetime. Ototoxicity was detected in at least one of the tests in 56.2% (n = 68) of the patients. Only 10.7% (n = 13) of the patients had reported a symptom indicating ototoxicity. 30.3% (n = 30) of the patients had ototoxicity in the low exposure group, while it was 45.5% (n = 10) in the high exposure group according to EHF-PTA (p > 0.05). Median number of parenteral amikacin courses was significantly higher in the ototoxic group (2 [1.25-5.75] vs. 2 [1-3]; p = 0.045). No m1555A>G mutation was detected in 61 patients who screened for mitochondrial mutation analysis. CONCLUSION: As AG ototoxicity occurs primarily at high frequencies, EHF-PTA is important in early detecting ototoxicity. EHF-PTA and DPOAE detected ototoxicity in some patients with normal PTA results. All pwCF with a history of AG exposure should be evaluated for hearing loss since symptoms may only be noticed in the late period.

Is the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire sensitive for sleep-disordered breathing in children with complex chronic disease?

PURPOSE: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a disease defined by breathing or breathing irregularities while asleep. The current study examines the association between results of polysomnography (PSG) and the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), and the specificity and sensitivity of the PSQ for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with chronic illnesses. METHODS: Demographic and clinical attributes, in addition to PSQ and PSG outcomes were examined retrospectively among patients who underwent polysomnography (PSG) at our facility between 2012 and 2021. RESULTS: Of 745 patients included in the study, 462 (62%) were male. The median age was 81 months (34-151 months). 117 of the patients (15/8%) had chronic lung disease, and 80 (10.7%) had cerebral palsy. The most common indications for PSG were symptoms of OSA (n = 426; 57.1%). According to obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), 361 patients (48.5%) had normal PSG. The median PSQ score was 0.40 (0.22-0.57). The sensitivity and specificity of the PSQ were 71.8% and 40.4%, respectively, for individuals aged 2 to 18 years. Among the disease subgroups, the cerebral palsy group had the highest sensitivity of PSQ (88.8%) for diagnosis of OSA. CONCLUSION: Questionnaires for evaluating SDB are not sensitive or specific for identification of OSA in children with chronic conditions, and PSG remains the best method.

The effect of coronavirus disease 2019 on anxiety levels of children with cystic fibrosis and healthy peers.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic disease causing recurrent respiratory tract infections. Viral respiratory tract infections are more severe in CF. The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was seen in Turkey on March 11, 2020, and nationwide school closure and lockdown were implemented. School closure and home confinement might have adverse effects on children's physical and mental health. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological reactions of CF patients and healthy controls. METHODS: This is a controlled cross-sectional study including 7-18-year-old children with CF. The survey included questions regarding family environment and peer relations, self-care, and psychological reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was administered to children via telephone calls under parental supervision. RESULTS: We evaluated 132 CF patients and 135 of their healthy peers. Mean age was 11.5 ± 2.9 years in the CF group and 11.8 ± 3.2 years in the control group (P = 0.98). There were 55 girls (41.7%) in the CF group and 81 girls (60%) in the control group (P = 0.027). The socioeconomic status of their families was similar. The CF patients were found to be less anxious for family members at risk of COVID-19, less upset about school closure, and less anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.001, 0.02, 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cystic fibrosis patients seem to show more resilience in coping with the pandemic. Appropriate psychological support should be provided to them and resilience strategies in coping with the pandemic should be nurtured.

Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing and associated risk factors in primary school children in urban and rural environments.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in primary school children is a significant problem, yet its prevalence is not well known outside large urban settings. Information on the burden and risk factors of SDB in children could be used to improve resource allocation when providing care across a large country. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of SDB among school-aged children comparing rural and urban settings, and to investigate associated risk factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a random sample of primary school students in Turkey were selected from urban and rural areas and data were collected using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, asthma, and allergic rhinitis questionnaires completed by the parents. RESULTS: Questionnaires were collected from a total of 139 schools from 58 provinces. A total of 11,013 students were contacted, and 9045 (73%) completed the study. There was no difference in the prevalence of SDB between rural and urban settings (16% vs. 15%, p = 0.612). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that current wheezing, current rhinoconjunctivitis, being overweight, parental snoring, and current mold at home were significant risk factors for SDB in both rural and urban children. Current tobacco smoke exposure (OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.19-1.85), near roadway air pollution exposure (OR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.108-1.791), and mold at home in the first year of life (OR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.26-2.23) were associated with SDB in urban children. History of maternal/paternal adenotonsillectomy was a significant predictor of SDB in the rural setting (OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.12-2.39). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SDB is high in children living in both settings but associated risk factors may vary. Children residing in rural areas should also be screened for sleep-disordered breathing during routine health visits.

Changing clinical characteristics of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is increasing in both developed and developing countries in recent years. Although the main features remain similar, etiologies seem to change. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of our recent non-CF bronchiectasis patients and to compare these with our historical cohort in 2001. METHODS: One hundred four children with non-CF bronchiectasis followed between 2002 and 2019 were enrolled. Age of diagnosis, underlying etiology and microorganisms in sputum culture were recorded. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of lung function tests and annual pulmonary exacerbation rates at presentation and within the last 12 months. RESULTS: Mean FEV1 and FVC %predicted at presentation improved compared to historical cohort (76.6 ± 17.1 vs. 63.3 ± 22.1 and 76.6 ± 15.1 vs. 67.3 ± 23.1, respectively; p <  0.001). There was a significant decrease in pulmonary exacerbation rate from 6.05 ± 2.88 at presentation to 3.23 ± 2.08 during follow-up (p <  0.0001). In 80.8% of patients, an underlying etiology was identified. There was an increase in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) (32.7% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.001), decrease in idiopathic cases (19.2% vs. 37.8%; p = 0.03) with no change in postinfectious and immunodeficiencies as underlying etiology. Sputum cultures were positive in 77.9% of patients which was 46.9% in the historical cohort (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Baseline pulmonary function tests were better and distribution of underlying etiology had changed with a remarkable increase in diagnosis of PCD in the recent cohort.

Hypoglycemia is common in children with cystic fibrosis and seen predominantly in females.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hypoglycemia in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) in 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) under free-living conditions. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and Forced expiratory volume (FEV1%) were measured in children with CF (aged 5-18 years). Following OGTT, CGM was installed for 3 days. The total hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic time (%) during 3 days was measured. Subjects were categorized according to hypoglycemic time <3% (hypo -) and ≥3% (hypo +). Each category was further divided according to hyperglycemic time <3% (hyper -) or ≥3% (hyper +). RESULTS: OGTT and CGM were sequentially performed in 45 CF patients. The frequency of hypoglycemia in OGTT and hypoglycemic time ≧3% of CGM were 13.3% and 27.5%, respectively. After 5 cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) subjects were excluded, the number of subjects in each subgroup was 17 (hypo-/hyper-), 12 (hypo-/hyper+), 6 (hypo+/hyper-), and 5 (hypo+/hyper+). Significantly higher insulin at 120 minutes was observed in OGTT in (hypo+/hyper-), as compared with subgroup (hypo-/hyper-) (P = .018). Total insulin levels were also significantly higher in (hypo+/hyper-), than (hypo-/hyper-), but were similar to those in the healthy control group (P = .049 and P = .076, respectively). There was a female predominance in hypoglycemic subjects both in OGTT and subgroup (hypo+/hyper-) in the CGM group (P = .033 and P = .033, respectively). FEV1 was significantly lower in hypo + group as a whole, and (hypo+/hyper+) subgroup than in (hypo-/hyper-), (P = .044 and P = .042, respectively); the difference was independent of body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) (P = .15 and P = .12, respectively). CONCLUSION: The frequency of hypoglycemia in children with CF was higher in CGM than that in OGTT. Insulin secretion was delayed and total insulin levels increased in the hypoglycemic patients. Glucose instability/hypoglycemia is associated with poorer lung function in patients with CF, independent of nutritional status.

Effect of inhaled steroids on clinical and inflammatoryparameters in children with cystic fibrosis

Background/aim: The effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an ICS on bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), oxidative status, and clinical and inflammatory parameters in CF patients. Materials and methods: CF patients were randomized to receive either 2 mg/day nebulized budesonide or 0.9% normal saline as placebo for 8 weeks. Results: Twenty-nine CF patients (mean age: 10.5 ± 2.9 years) were enrolled in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at the end of 8 weeks in terms of symptoms, pulmonary function, BHR, oxidative burst, hs-CRP, or ESR. Although there was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels in both groups, there was no difference between the two groups. Percentage of neutrophils in the sputum of patients decreased in the budesonide group (P = 0.006). Although sputum IL-8 levels significantly increased in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Although there was a significant decrease in the percentage of neutrophils in sputum with budesonide, 8 weeks of 2 mg/day nebulized budesonide was not effective in terms of BHR, oxidative status, or clinical and other inflammatory parameters in children with CF.

Quality of life in children with non-cystic-fibrosis bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Non-cystic-fibrosis bronchiectasis (non-CF BE) continues to be a problem in developing countries and it is therefore important to examine and assess this disease. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in non-CF BE children and also to assess the risk factors associated with HRQOL. METHODS: Forty-two non-CF BE patients between the ages of 9 and 18 years were enrolled in the study. All recruited patients completed the generic Short-Form-36 (SF-36), the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for disease-specific QOL scale and forms on socioeconomic status (SES). The extent and severity of CT abnormalities were evaluated by using the modified Bhalla scoring system. Association between HRQOL questionnaires and demographic variables, pulmonary function test, high-resolution CT scores and SES were evaluated. RESULTS: SF-36 and SGRQ subscales all correlated inversely with each other (SF-36 physical component summary with SGRQ symptoms score: r = -0.466, p = 0.001, activity score: r = -0.666, p = 0.000 and impact score: r = -0.667, p = 0.000. SF-36 mental component summary with SGRQ symptoms score: r = -0.396, p = 0.005, activity score: r = -0.533, p = 0.000 and impact score: r = -0.512, p = 0.000). There was an inverse correlation between SGRQ symptoms scores and the duration of regular follow-up (r = -0.3, p = 0.04). The symptoms subscale of SGRQ correlated positively with low values for pulmonary function testing (r = -0.417, p = 0.003) and frequent antibiotic requirements (r = 0.303, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and regular follow-up of children with non-CF BE is important for improving their QOL. As expected, the severity and frequency of symptoms are inversely related to the pulmonary function and the QOL scores. A disease-specific questionnaire should be developed to monitor QOL in children with non-CF BE.

Unveiling the Respiratory Muscle Strength in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Impact of Nutrition and Thoracic Deformities, Beyond Spirometry.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most prevalent progressive muscular dystrophy, and the guidelines recommend the regular assessment of respiratory muscle function. This study aimed to assess the relationship between maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) measurements and upright-supine spirometry parameters in children with DMD, the predictability of upright-supine spirometry in terms of diaphragm involvement, and the impact of nutrition on muscle strength. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study examined patients with DMD by comparing upright and supine FVC, MIP, MEP, and SNIP measurements. The effects of the ambulatory status, kyphoscoliosis, chest deformity, and low BMI on respiratory parameters were investigated. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included in the study. The mean patient age was 10.8 ± 2.9 years. Twenty-five patients were ambulatory. A significant decrease in FVC, FEV1, and FEF25-75 values was detected in the supine position in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients (p < 0.05). All patients had low MIP, MEP, and SNIP measurements (less than 60 cm H2O). MIP, MEP, and SNIP values were significantly lower in patients with a low BMI than in those without (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To accurately assess respiratory muscle strength, supine FVC should be combined with upright FVC, MIP, MEP, and SNIP measurements. It is crucial to regularly screen patients for nutrition, as this can significantly affect respiratory muscle function during pulmonology follow-up.

Implementation of a high fidelity simulation based training program for physicians of children requiring long term invasive home ventilation: a study by ISPAT team.

Introduction: The number of children requiring long-term invasive home ventilation (LTIHV) has increased worldwide in recent decades. The training of physicians caring for these children is crucial since they are at high risk for complications and adverse events. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a comprehensive high-fidelity simulation-based training program for physicians caring for children on LTIHV. Methods: A multimodal training program for tracheostomy and ventilator management was prepared by ISPAT (IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy) team. Participants were subjected to theoretical and practical pre-tests which evaluated their knowledge levels and skills for care, follow-up, and treatment of children on LTIHV. Following the theoretical education and hands-on training session with a simulation model, theoretical and practical post-tests were performed. Results: Forty-three physicians from 7 tertiary pediatric clinics in Istanbul were enrolled in the training program. Seventy percent of them had never received standardized training programs about patients on home ventilation previously. The total number of correct answers from the participants significantly improved after the theoretical training (p < 0.001). The number of participants who performed the steps correctly also significantly increased following the hands-on training session (p < 0.001). All of the 43 participants who responded rated the course overall as good or excellent. Conclusion: The knowledge and skills of clinicians caring for children on LTIHV can be enhanced through a comprehensive training program consisting of theoretical training combined with hands-on training in a simulation laboratory.

Central Sleep Apnea in Children-10 Years Experience at a Tertiary Sleep Laboratory.

Objective: Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a rare condition in children; however, it can cause significant morbidity if not diagnosed early. We aimed to increase the knowledge about CSA in children by describing the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with CSA at our sleep center. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1263 polysomnographies (PSG) performed between 2012 and 2023 at our tertiary sleep center and evaluated the clinical characteristics of the patients with CSA. Underlying diseases, clinical symptoms, sleep parameters, and short-term management of the patients were recorded. Results: Of the 1263 patients aged between 1 month and 18 years, 122 (9.65%) had CSA, with 54.9 % (n = 67) of them being female. Only 56.6% (n = 69) of the patients' parents had reported a symptom indicating sleep-disordered breathing. The most common underlying disease was genetic, including Down and Prader-Willi syndromes, followed by neurological diseases . Obstructive sleep apnea was detected in addition to CSA in 103 of the patients (84.4%). Bi-level positive airway pressure with a backup rate was the most common treatment modality. Conclusion: While CSA is a rare clinical condition in children, it occurs more commonly in those with an underlying disease. Awareness of the disease and timely referral of the patients for sleep studies are critical to prevent long-term sequelae.

Beyond the 10%: Unraveling the genetic diversity in Turkish cystic fibrosis patients not eligible for CFTR modulators.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by variants of CFTR gene. Over 2000 variants have been identified, and new drugs called CFTR modulators have been developed to target specific defects in the CFTR protein. However, these drugs are only suitable for patients with certain variants of CFTR, and eligibility rates vary depending on race and geographical region. This study aimed to reveal the detailed genotype and clinical characteristics of people with CF (pwCF) at our center in Turkey, a developing country, who are not eligible for CFTR modulators. METHODS: A total of 445 pwCF followed up at Marmara University were reviewed retrospectively. Variants of the patients ineligible to CFTR modulators were classified based on American College of Medical Genetics guidelines, CFTR classification, the change in the encoded protein, and the variant type. RESULTS: The study revealed that 139 (31.2%) patients weren't eligible for CFTR modulators. There were 60 different variants in the 276 alleles, as two were missing. The majority of patients had missense or nonsense variants, and that the most common variant was c.1545_1546del, which can be said unique to this geography. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of detecting the variants of ineligible patients in detail to guide future approaches for more targeted and effective interventions in CF care. Testing the effectiveness of CFTR modulators for rare or newly occurring variants is crucial to ensure equal access for pwCF to these therapies from different racial backgrounds and ethnic minorities.

Exploring Turkey's mosaic of novel variants and complex alleles in cystic fibrosis genetics.

BACKGROUNDS: Genetic variants in CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene causes cystic fibrosis (CF), a prevalent autosomal recessive disorder. More than 2000 variants in CFTR have been described as disease causative. This study aims to delineate the genotypic and phenotypic landscape of CF among people with CF (pwCF) followed at the largest CF center in Turkey. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective analysis of 481 patients registered with the European CF Society Patient Registry and followed at Marmara University Selim Çöremen CF Center from 2015 onwards. Comprehensive CFTR analysis was utilized for genetic diagnosis. Besides the whole cohort, novel variants and complex alleles were also described. RESULTS: Our cohort exhibited a broad spectrum of CFTR variants, with 136 different variants detected, indicating substantial genetic diversity. The F508del variant was less prevalent in our cohort compared to US and European averages, which could reflect unique genetic and demographic characteristics of the Turkish population. Additionally, we identified nine novel variants in 12 alleles, which enhances the understanding of CF's genetic complexity in this region, and complex alleles in 32 pwCF. CONCLUSION: Our research underscores the heterogeneity of CFTR variants in Turkey and highlights the necessity for extensive genetic profiling particularly for diverse populations to provide effective personalized treatment strategies. It is crucial to understand the full spectrum of CFTR variants with the advent of CFTR modulators.

Assessment of patients' baseline cystic fibrosis knowledge levels following translation and adaptation of the CF R.I.S.E translation program into Turkish.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have a limited life expectancy, but significant medical advances now highlight the need for successful transition programs from pediatric to adult care. The goal of this project was to introduce the transition program CF R.I.S.E (Responsibility. Independence. Self-care. Education.) to a CF center with limited resources at Marmara University (MU). METHODS: The program was adapted and translated into Turkish with the CF Foundation's permission. A team of experts collaborated to develop educational materials for patients and families. After translation and implementation of the CF S.O.B.E program, 11 Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire (KQA) tests were administered online to the patients aged between 16 and 25 years to assess the lack of patient knowledge. RESULTS: The CF R.I.S.E program was successfully implemented within 6 months. A pilot study showed positive feedback from randomly selected patients, indicating the program's effectiveness and understandability. The mean age of the patients was 19.4 ± 2.9 years, and 42 (52%) were female. The mean forced expiratory volume (FEV1pp) was 76.3 ± 23.2. Fourteen (17.3%) and 4 (4.9%) of the patients colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), respectively. Fifteen (18.5%) were on modulator therapy. Eleven Knowledge Assessment Questionnaires (KAQ) surveys were administered to 81 patients. The percentage of correct responses to the KAQs ranged from 47.9% to 68.3%. CONCLUSION: MU CF Center in Turkey implemented the CF S.O.B.E (Responsibility, Self-care, Independence, and Education in Turkish) program. The center aims to make the program a regular practice and expand collaboration with adult clinics. Future studies will assess its long-term impact and applicability in different health settings. The final goal is to disseminate the program's resources and promote structured transition practices across the country.

Long-term outcomes of standardized training for caregivers of children with tracheostomies: The IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy (ISPAT) project.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Children with tracheostomies are at increased risk of tracheostomy-related complications and require extra care. Standardized training programs for caregivers can improve tracheostomy care and reduce complications. In this study, we compared caregiver knowledge and skill scores after a standardized theoretical and practical training program on tracheostomy care (IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy (ISPAT) project) immediately and 1 year post-training and evaluated how this training affected the children's clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 32 caregivers (31 children) who had received standardized training a year ago and administered the same theoretical and practical tests 1 year after training completion. We recorded tracheostomy-related complications and the number and reasons for admission to the healthcare centers. All data just before the training and 1 year after training completion were compared. RESULTS: After 1 year of training completion, the median number of correct answers on the theoretical test increased to 16.5 from 12 at pretest (p < 0.001). Compared with pretest, at 1-year post-training practical skills assessment scores, including cannula exchange and aspiration, were significantly higher (both p < 0.001) and mucus plug, bleeding, and stoma infection reduced significantly (p = 0.002, 0.022, and 0.004, respectively). Hands-on-training scores were better than pretest but declined slightly at 1 year compared to testing immediately after training. Emergency admission decreased from 64.5% to 32.3% (p = 0.013). Hospitalization decreased from 61.3% to 35.5% (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that caregiver training can lead to a persistent increase in knowledge and skill for as long as 1 year, as well as improvements in several measurable outcomes, although a slight decrease in scores warrants annual repetitions of the training program.

Intrinsic endobronchial obstructions in children from Turkey: evaluation of 2,555 flexible bronchoscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial obstructions are rarely seen in children and are often misdiagnosed resulting in delay of definitive treatment. A variety of diseases can cause endobronchial obstructions in childhood, but data is limited as to the frequency, distribution and clinical characteristics of endobronchial obstructions diagnosed with flexible bronchoscopy (FB). OBJECTIVE: To document endobronchial obstructions detected by FB. METHODS: FB results from three pediatric pulmonology centers in Istanbul were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 2,555 children underwent an FB procedure during the study period. Endobronchial obstructions were detected in 10% (n = 256) of the patients. Among FB in patients who had endobronchial obstructions, the four most common indications for bronchoscopy were persistent infiltrations (30%, n = 72), persistent wheezing (28%, n = 70), chronic cough (26%, n = 66) and atelectasis (23%, n = 59). The most common endobronchial obstructions detected in the patients were aspirated foreign bodies (35.9%, n = 92), endobronchial tuberculosis (31.6%, n = 81), mucous plugs occluding airway (16.7%, n = 43) and granulation scars (6%, n = 16). Other pathologies included hydatid cysts (n = 5), hemangiomas (n = 5), tumors (n = 5), submucosal nodules (n = 5) and polyps (n = 4). Endobronchial obstructions were most commonly located in the right bronchus (51%, n = 130) followed by the left bronchus (33%, n = 85), bilaterally (8%, n = 21) and trachea (8%, n = 20). CONCLUSIONS: Endobronchial obstructions can be caused by a number of different diseases which require various medical or surgical treatments. In the presence of clinical or radiological findings suggesting an endobronchial obstruction, FB should be performed promptly.

Bronchoscopic evaluation of unexplained recurrent and persistent pneumonia in children.

BACKGROUND: Persistent or recurrent pneumonia in children can pose a significant challenge to paediatricians and respiratory physicians. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the role of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in evaluation of recurrent or persistent pneumonia that remain otherwise unexplained by non-invasive diagnostic tests in children. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent FB with an indication of recurrent or persistent pneumonia from 1997 to 2011. RESULTS: Among 2600 FB procedures, 434 (17%) were performed with the indication of recurrent or persistent pneumonia. There were 237 (54%) boys. Median age at presentation was 84 months, and median duration of symptoms was 9 months. FB led to specific diagnosis in 33% of the cases. The most common diseases diagnosed by FB were malacia disorders (n: 32, 7%), aspirated foreign body (n: 30, 7%), endobronchial tuberculosis (n: 20, 5%), congenital airway anomalies (n: 14, 3%), mucus plugs (n: 14, 3%), pulmonary haemosiderosis (n: 12, 3%) and middle lobe syndrome (n: 11, 3%). During FB, only 6% of the patients had minor complications such as transient hypoxia, stridor and tachycardia. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, FB proved to be a safe and effective tool in evaluation of children with persistent or recurrent pneumonia. FB is indicated for children with recurrent or persistent pneumonia where the underlying diagnosis remains unclear even after non-invasive diagnostic tests.

Use of pumpless extracorporeal lung assist as rescue therapy in adolescent with cystic fibrosis.

There is abundant evidence that artificial ventilation can aggravate pre-existing lung disease, which may contribute to morbidity and mortality. This is especially true for patients with air leakages. This case report describes the use of a pumpless extracorporeal lung assist as a rescue therapy to provide time to heal during the mechanical ventilation of a 16-year-old with cystic fibrosis who could not be managed via conventional means.

Flexible bronchoscopy as a valuable tool in the evaluation of infants with stridor.

The aim is to determine clinical characteristics, flexible bronchoscopy (FB) findings including associated airway abnormalities and other conditions, treatment modalities and long term follow-up of children with congenital stridor. Medical records of children, who underwent FB for the evaluation of stridor between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, symptoms and physical examination findings at presentation, FB findings, follow-up data including the time to resolution of symptoms and treatment modalities, presence of associated conditions were assessed. 109 children were enrolled to the study. Laryngomalacia was the most common etiology for stridor. Laryngomalacia was isolated in 37 patients and 54 patients had secondary airway lesions (SALs). Diagnoses other than laryngomalacia such as subglottic hemangioma, subglottic web, isolated tracheomalacia were found in 18 patients. In 90 % of patients, stridor resolved before 3 years of age without any surgical intervention and there was no significant difference in terms of the persistence of stridor between patients with isolated laryngomalacia and associated SALs. Duration of stridor was significantly longer in both patients with neurological abnormalities and reflux symptoms. Surgical procedure was performed in 19 of the patients. There is a high incidence of SALs in patients with laryngomalacia. FB is helpful for identifying anomalies requiring surgical treatment.

Electronic home monitoring of children with cystic fibrosis to detect and treat acute pulmonary exacerbations and its effect on 1-year FEV1.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effect of the use of electronic home spirometry in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) on 1-year FEV1 (% predicted, pp) change. METHODS: This is a randomised, one-year prospective study including children with CF between 6 and 18 years of age. Subjects were randomised into home spirometry group (HSG) and usual care group (UCG). Children in HSG performed two pulmonary function tests (PFT) per week. Data regarding acute pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) was obtained from patients' records. At baseline and 12th month, health related quality of life questionnaire for CF patients (CFQ-R) and lung clearance index (LCI) were performed. RESULTS: Sixty children were recruited with a median (IQR) age of 13.3 (11.4-15.4) years. Absolute change in FEV1pp from baseline to 12th month as median (IQR) was +1% (-6.75-9.75) in HSG and -2.50% (-7.50-3.25) in UCG (p = 0.10). Sensitivity analysis including only adherent children in HSG (n = 22), yielded an increase of 5% (-3.50-12) in HSG and a decrease of 2.50% (-7.50-3.25) in UCG (p = 0.009). A total of 29 (96.7%) subjects in HSG and 23 (76.7%) in UCG had PEx (p = 0.05). Absolute change in median (IQR) LCI2.5 from baseline to the 12th month was -1.6 [-2.9-0] (p<0.001) in HSG and -1.5 [-2.8-(-0.6)] (p<0.001) in UCG (p = 0.94). There was a significant increase in the social domain of the CFQ-R in HSG (from 59.1 to 76.2, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Electronic home monitoring of children with CF by spirometry may result in improvement in lung function.