Safety of endobronchial biopsy in 170 children with chronic respiratory symptoms.

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of bronchial biopsy data in children. A major limitation is concern over the safety of the procedure. This paper reports the results of efforts to develop a method that is safe and provides adequate specimen for evaluation.

METHODS

170 children aged 2.5 to 16 years with chronic respiratory symptoms were studied under general anaesthesia in an outpatient surgery setting. Bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsies were obtained using a 4.9 mm flexible bronchoscope through a laryngeal mask airway. At least three bioipsies were taken.

RESULTS

No patient required topical adrenaline to control bleeding, nor was there a change in the state of any of the patients. There were no episodes of pneumothorax, haemoptysis, pneumonia, or significant fever. All children less than four years old received a single dose of antibiotic intravenously after the procedure. The average length of time for the procedure was 12 minutes (range 6 to 27). Recovery time averaged 90 minutes. The limiting factor was the ability of the child's airway to accomodate the bronchoscope.

CONCLUSIONS

This report should encourage clinicians to incorporate endobronchial biopsy into the evaluation of children with difficult respiratory problems.