Abstract
A number of comprehensive bronchoscopy studies have been carried out in high income countries but limited studies have investigated its value in low and middle income countries (LMIC).
Aims of this study was to describe the the indications, bronchoscopic findings, interventions and complications of paediatric bronchoscopy in a LMIC with a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV.
Methodology: A retrospective analysis of paediatric bronchoscopy database was carried out in a tertiary referal hospital over a 42 month period.
Results: A total of 509 bronchoscopies were performed on children with a median age of 18 months with 12 (2.3%) were under 1 month and 43% between 13 months to 36 months. 29 were boys (57.8%) and 26 (5.1%) HIV-infected. The main indications for bronchoscopy were: complicated pneumonia (25 % ( n = 116)), TB lymph node compression of the airways (21% (n = 105)) and persistent stridor (15 % ( n = 78)). Interventional procedures were performed in 112 cases (22%). The commonest interventions were foreign body removal (30%), endobronchial lymph node enucleation (30%) and transbronchial needle aspiration (20%).
Conclusion: The indications and findings at bronchoscopy did not significantly differ from those in high income countries except for TB lymph node compression of the airways. In 78% abnormality was found and in 22 % an intervention was carried out. This study emphasises that while infective causes of airway disease are common other causes including congenital,vascular anomales and interstitial lung diseases have to to be considered in a LMIC.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
