RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Outcomes in children treated for persistent bacterial bronchitis
JF Thorax
JO Thorax
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Thoracic Society
SP 80
OP 84
DO 10.1136/thx.2006.058933
VO 62
IS 1
A1 Deirdre Donnelly
A1 Anita Critchlow
A1 Mark L Everard
YR 2007
UL http://thorax.bmj.com/content/62/1/80.abstract
AB 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.