Evaluation of the Cases with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a permanent dilation of the bronchial wall. We aimed to evaluate pediatric cases diagnosed with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. METHODS: A total of 98 cases who were diagnosed with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and were being followed-up between January 2010 and January 2015 at our clinic were included. Clinical, laboratory and radiological evaluations were recorded from patients electronic files. RESULTS: Female to male ratio of the cases was 1.3 (56/42). The median age of the cases was 12.2 years (1-18), the median age of diagnosis was 6 years (1-17 years), and the median duration of follow-up was 38 months (3-140 months).The most common symptom of the cases was cough (n: 91, 93%) followed by sputum expectoration (n: 56, 57%). In the pulmonary function tests performed during the initial phase of diagnosis; restrictive pattern was seen in 29.1% (n = 21) of patients and obstructive pattern was seen in 23.2% (n = 17). Furthermore, in last control visit, restrictive pattern was seen in 17.3% (n=9) of them and obstructive pattern was seen in 44.2% (n = 23). The most frequent etiological cause was infectious diseases (n: 41, 42%). Bronchiectasis was seen most commonly in the left lower lobe of the lung (n: 52, 53%), followed by the right lower lobe (n=32, 33.7%). DISCUSSION and CONCLUSION: Bronchiectasis is still a major health problem in developing countries and causes irreversible damage to the lung when untreated. Postinfectious lung diseases are one of the most important causes of bronchiectasis in children. Early diagnosis improves treatment success.