TY - JOUR T1 - Outcomes in children treated for persistent bacterial bronchitis JF - Thorax JO - Thorax SP - 80 LP - 84 DO - 10.1136/thx.2006.058933 VL - 62 IS - 1 AU - Deirdre Donnelly AU - Anita Critchlow AU - Mark L Everard Y1 - 2007/01/01 UR - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/62/1/80.abstract N2 - Background: Persistent bacterial bronchitis (PBB) seems to be under-recognised and often misdiagnosed as asthma. In the absence of published data relating to the management and outcomes in this patient group, a review of the outcomes of patients with PBB attending a paediatric respiratory clinic was undertaken. Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 81 patients in whom a diagnosis of PBB had been made. Diagnosis was based on the standard criterion of a persistent, wet cough for >1 month that resolves with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Results: The most common reason for referral was a persistent cough or difficult asthma. In most of the patients, symptoms started before the age of 2 years, and had been present for >1 year in 59% of patients. At referral, 59% of patients were receiving asthma treatment and 11% antibiotics. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most commonly isolated organisms. Over half of the patients were completely symptom free after two courses of antibiotics. Only 13% of patients required ⩾6 courses of antibiotics. Conclusion: PBB is often misdiagnosed as asthma, although the two conditions may coexist. In addition to eliminating a persistent cough, treatment may also prevent progression to bronchiectasis. Further research relating to both diagnosis and treatment is urgently required. ER -