Airway foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy: experience with 1027 children during 2000-2008

Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Bronchoscopy in Pediatrics

Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic flexible bronchoscopy in children is a rapidly evolving field. Recent advances in technology and awareness of indications, risks, and benefits by pediatric providers have greatly increased the use of advanced techniques in children. This review highlights advanced diagnostic procedures including assessment of endobronchial lesions, mediastinal/hilar masses, and peripheral lung nodules as well as therapeutic techniques for restoring airway lumen patency, managing persistent air leaks, and treating tracheoesophageal fistulas in children as well as the potential to spare these patients more invasive procedures.

Foreign Bodies in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology: A Review

Foreign bodies (FBs) in pediatric otorhinolaryngology represent up to 10% of cases in emergency departments (ED) and are primarily present in children under five years old. They are probably the result of children's curiosity and tendency to explore the environment. Aural and nasal FBs are the most common and accessible, and the removal methods differ depending on the exact location and type of FB, which can be organic or inorganic. A fish bone stuck in one of the palatine tonsils is the most common pharyngeal FB. Laryngopharyngeal FBs can obstruct the upper respiratory tract and thus become acutely life-threatening, requiring an urgent response. Aspiration of FBs is common in children between 1 and 4 years old. A history of coughing and choking is an indication of diagnostic and therapeutic methods to rule out or confirm a tracheobronchial FB. Regardless of the availability of radiological diagnostics, rigid bronchoscopy is the diagnostic and therapeutic method of choice in symptomatic cases. Radiological diagnostics are more significant in treating esophageal FBs since most are radiopaque. Flexible or rigid esophagoscopy is a successful method of removal. A delayed diagnosis, as with tracheobronchial FBs, can lead to fatal consequences.

Flexible bronchoscopy for foreign body aspiration in children: A single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

The technological evolution of bronchoscopy has led to the widespread adoption of flexible techniques and their use for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Currently, there is an active debate regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of rigid vs flexible bronchoscopy in the treatment of foreign body aspiration.

AIM

To evaluate our experience with tracheobronchial foreign body extraction using flexible bronchoscopy and provide a literature overview.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective study. Twenty-four patients were enrolled between January 2017 and January 2023. Medical records of patients aged below 18 years who were admitted to authors' affiliated institution with a suspected diagnosis of foreign body aspiration were collected from hospital's database to Microsoft Excel 2019. Data were analysed using MedCalc Statistical Software.

RESULTS

Patient ages varied from 9 months to 11 years. The median age was 23.5 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 19.49-44.77. We observed age clustering in children with foreign body aspiration at our institution with three age subgroups: (1) 0-25 months; (2) 40-60 months; and (3) 120-140 months. We expectancy of an organic tracheobronchial foreign body was significantly higher in 0-25 months subgroup than that in older ones when subgroups 40-60 and 120-140 months were combined together (odds ratio = 10.0, 95%CI: 1.44-29.26, P = 0.0197). Successful foreign body extraction was performed in all cases. Conversion to a rigid bronchoscope was not required in any of the cases. No major complications (massive bleeding, tracheobronchial tree perforation, or asphyxia) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Flexible bronchoscopy is an effective and safe method for tracheobronchial foreign body extraction in children.

Removal of airway foreign body using flexible bronchoscopy in children

BACKGROUND

Flexible bronchoscopy is mainly used to diagnose airway foreign bodies (AFBs). Due to advances in pediatric anesthesia, many teams have considered the extraction of AFBs by flexible bronchoscopy. We aimed to assess the success of flexible bronchoscopy in AFB removal in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively the data of children admitted for AFB aspiration in the Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Department B of Abderrahmane Mami Hospital in Tunisia between January 2012 and December 2022. AFB removal was performed by flexible bronchoscopy through the use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) or intubation.

RESULTS

Of the 105 children included, AFB was removed by flexible bronchoscopy in 99 children (94.3 %). The mean age of the children was 32 months (9-150 months) with a sex ratio of 2:3. The foreign body was organic in 67 % of cases. Overall, 37 children underwent rigid bronchoscopy first (35.2 %). Flexible bronchoscopy was performed through the LMA in 77 cases (73 %) and after intubation in the other cases. Thoracic surgery was needed in two cases (1.9 %). Four infants expectorated the AFB after the procedure (3.8 %). Only two children developed laryngeal edema with transient oxygen desaturation.

CONCLUSION

AFB removal using a flexible bronchoscope is an efficient and safe procedure when performed by an experienced team. The recent use of LMA has facilitated the use of a larger bronchofiberscope and the insertion of multiple tools that can reach distal airways.

Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS)-a prospectively validated algorithm for the management and prediction of foreign body aspiration in children

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common cause of pediatric morbidity, but a standardized protocol to guide decision-making about bronchoscopy is lacking. We aimed to validate a new Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS) for the pediatric emergency department (ED). Patients aged 0-18 years referred to the ED for suspected FBA were prospectively enrolled. FOBAS was calculated according to clinical features of a choking episode, sudden cough, exposure to nuts, absence of fever and rhinitis, stridor, and unilateral auscultatory and radiological findings. FBA risk was evaluated based on the total score (low, 1-3; moderate, 4-6; high, 7-10). Low-risk children were discharged from the ED and followed clinically. Moderate-risk children were hospitalized and evaluated by a pediatric pulmonologist, and high-risk children were referred directly for therapeutic bronchoscopy. Among the 100 enrolled children (59% males; median age 20 [interquartile range 11-39] months), a foreign body was diagnosed in 1/49 (2%), 14/41 (34.1%), and 9/10 (90%) with low, moderate, and high FOBAS, respectively (P < .001). Logistic regression indicated a higher risk for FBA with higher scores. The odds ratio for each additional point was 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.78-4.24), and FOBAS showed a high predictive value for FBA (area under the curve 0.89). FOBAS implementation significantly reduced the rate of negative bronchoscopies, from 67.4% annually during 2016-2019 to 50% in 2020 (P = .042).

CONCLUSION

FOBAS reliably predicts FBA in cases of suspected FBA and improves management and in-hospital decision-making.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Foreign body aspiration is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. • Currently, there is no unified protocol for children referred to the emergency department for suspected FBA, therefore, a well-defined algorithm is needed to improve the decision-making process.

WHAT IS NEW

• The pediatric Foreign body aspiration score (FOBAS) is a new, prospectively validated clinical score that shows high sensitivity and specificity for the presence of FBA in children. • FOBAS reduces unnecessary admissions and invasive procedures and leads to better clinical outcomes.

Obstructive pneumonia with bronchial foreign body: A case report

The age of predilection for foreign body aspiration into the lower airway shows a bimodal distribution, with the majority of cases occurring in children or infants and in the elderly. Although several pediatric airway foreign bodies have been summarized, in adults, bronchial foreign bodies are relatively uncommon. There are a variety of symptoms induced by airway foreign bodies, although the typical symptoms of some bronchial foreign bodies are cough. Bronchial foreign bodies, especially in the elderly, may have few symptoms and it is necessary for careful identification. Therefore, it is very important to carefully perform medical consultations about current and past medical history. Herein, we report a case of an elderly Japanese with obstructive pneumonia with a bronchial foreign body of fish bone with a long history of cough. It is known that people in some countries such as Japan have a habit of eating fish. Therefore, it is necessary to more carefully explore the possibility of some bronchial foreign body such as a fish bone, when we observe symptoms of persistent cough in such countries.

The Transition of Pediatric Tracheobronchial Foreign Body Cases in the Past 36 Years: A Retrospective Single-Center Study in Japan

Tracheobronchial foreign bodies (TFBs) are pediatric airway emergencies frequently seen. We aimed to examine the changes in the clinical characteristics of pediatric TFB patients in a single institution within the past 36 years. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 85 patients aged 0-10 years with TFBs lodged in the trachea or bronchus admitted at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Tohoku University Hospital between 1986 and 2021. We also compared the characteristics, diagnostic methods, and treatments of the previous 64 cases (1986-2005) with those of the recent 21 cases (2006-2021). The number of TFB patients decreased later in this study (3.2 vs. 1.3 patients per year). The proportion of TFB patients aged > 3 years was significantly higher in the later period (6.3% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.038). Peanut was the most common cause of TFBs in both periods, and the overall incidence of peanut aspiration significantly decreased in the later period (68.8% vs. 38.1%, p = 0.019). No patient had an undetected TFB for more than 1 month after the onset of symptoms in the later period. Foreign body extraction using rigid bronchoscopy was performed in all patients earlier, whereas flexible bronchoscopy was used in 14.3% later. Our study revealed a recent trend in the clinical characteristics of pediatric TFB patients in a single institution in Northeast Japan. The prevention and treatment of pediatric TFBs should be considered following the recent trends.

Pediatric anesthetic for tracheobronchial foreign body extraction: A survey of practice in France

BACKGROUND

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a classic pediatric emergency, and its associated morbidity particularly depends on the anesthetic management, which differs according to the center and the practitioner.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the different anesthetic practices for tracheobronchial foreign body extraction.

METHODS

A survey was sent via email to the member physicians of the Association des Anesthésistes Réanimateurs Pédiatriques d'Expression Française (ADARPEF). The survey included 28 questions about the organizational and anesthetic management of an evolving clinical case.

RESULTS

A total of 151 physicians responded to the survey. Only 13.2% of the respondents reported that their institution had a management protocol, and 21.7% required a computerized tomography scan before the procedure was performed for children who were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic during the night. There were 56.3% of the respondents who reported that extraction with a rigid bronchoscope is the only procedure usually performed in their institution. Regarding rigid bronchoscopy, 47.0% used combined intravenous-inhalation anesthesia. The objective was to maintain the child on spontaneous ventilation for 63.6% of the respondents, but anesthesia management differed according to the physician's experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms the diversity of practices concerning anesthetic for tracheobronchial foreign body extraction and found reveal differences in practice according to physician experience.

Foreign Body Aspiration in Children-Retrospective Study and Management Novelties

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a frequent diagnosis in children. In the absence of other lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic pulmonary infections, this manifests as a sudden onset of cough, dyspnea, and wheezing. The differential diagnosis is based on a scoring system which takes into account the clinical picture as well as the radiologic aspects. The treatment that is considered the gold-standard for FBA in children remains to be rigid fibronchoscopy, however it comes with several potentially crucial local complications such as airway edema, bleeding, and bronchospasm, along inherent issues due to general anesthesia. Material and methods: Our study is a retrospective study analyzing the medical files of the cases from our hospital over the span of 9 years. The study group consisted of 242 patients aged 0-16 years diagnosed with foreign body aspiration in the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children "Sfânta Maria" Iași, between January 2010-January 2018. Clinical and imaging data were extracted from the patients' observation sheets. Results: In our cohort, the distribution of children with foreign body aspiration was uneven, with the highest incidence being reported in children from rural areas (70% of cases), whereas the most affected age group was 1-3 years, amounting to 79% of all cases. The main symptoms which led to emergency admittance were coughing (33%) and dyspnea (22%). The most important factors that determined the unequal distribution were socio-economic status, which relates to a lack of adequate supervision by parents, as well as the consumption of food inappropriate for their age. Conclusions: Foreign body aspiration is a major medical emergency that may be associated with dramatic clinical manifestations. Several scoring algorithms designed to establish the need for bronchoscopy have been proposed, taking into account both the clinical and radiological results. The issue with asymptomatic or mild symptomatic cases, as well as difficulties managing cases with radiolucent foreign bodies, remains a challenge.

Foreign body aspiration in children - being safe and flexible

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Anesthesia for foreign body removal in children can be quite challenging. Even though rigid bronchoscopy is considered the gold standard for foreign body removal, there is increasing evidence for successful foreign body removal using flexible bronchoscopy. This review discusses the recent implications for flexible bronchoscopy for the purpose of foreign body removal and will compare these findings to rigid bronchoscopy.

RECENT FINDINGS

During the last few years, several observational studies on foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy have been published, with promising results.

SUMMARY

Flexible bronchoscopy is a feasible and safe method for removing aspirated foreign bodies in children. In order to improve patient safety during the procedure, it is necessary for a pediatric anesthetist and a pediatric pulmonologist to work closely together. The anesthetist can take care of the administration of the anesthetic and maintenance of the vital functions, and the pulmonologist can carry out a safe and fast bronchoscopy. In the case of foreign body removal by flexible bronchoscopy, the anesthesiological procedure of choice should be general anesthesia with controlled ventilation via a laryngeal mask.

Comparison of chest X-ray interpretation by pediatric pulmonologists, pediatric radiologists, and pediatric residents in children with suspected foreign body aspiration-a retrospective cohort study

Chest X-ray (CXR) is an important tool in the assessment of children with suspected foreign body aspiration (FBA), although it can falsely be interpreted as normal in one-third of the cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the positive predictive value of CXR in children hospitalized with suspected FBA, when interpreted by three disciplines: pediatric pulmonology, pediatric radiology, and pediatric residents. This is a retrospective study that included children aged 0-18 years, admitted with suspected FBA, between 2009 and 2020 in one tertiary center. All patients underwent CXR and a flexible/rigid bronchoscopy for the definitive diagnosis of FBA, up to 1 week apart. Two physicians from each discipline interpreted the CXR, independently. Intra-raters' and inter-raters' agreements were assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each discipline. Four hundred seventy-three children were included in the study, 175 (37%) with FBA and 298 (63%) without FBA on flexible/rigid bronchoscopy. The most common radiological findings, as interpreted by a pediatric pulmonologist, were unilateral hyperinflation (47%), radiopaque FB (37.6%), lobar atelectasis (10.3%), unilateral hyperinflation with atelectasis (3.4%), and lobar consolidation (1.7%). Intra-raters' agreement ranged from 0.744 (p < 0.001) among pediatric pulmonologists to 0.326 (p < 0.001) among pediatric radiologists. AUC for predicting FBA based on a CXR was 0.81, 0.77, and 0.7 when interpreted by pediatric pulmonologists, pediatric residents, and radiologists, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CXR has a high positive predictive value and independently predicts FBA in children; however, normal CXR should not rule out FBA. Predictability is variable among different disciplines.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Chest X-ray is an important tool in the assessment of children with suspected foreign body aspiration (FBA). • Chest X-ray can be interpreted as normal in one-third of the cases.

WHAT IS NEW

• Chest X-ray independently predicts FBA in children, with a high positive predictive value. • The ability of chest x-ray to predict FBA in children differs between pediatric residents, pediatric radiologists, and pediatric pulmonologists.

Complication rates in rigid vs. flexible endoscopic foreign body removal in children

While foreign body aspiration remains a frequent and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in children, recommendations on the appropriate removal technique do often not match the lived practice and expertise of the performing examiners. As there is a scarcity of data regarding success and complication rates of the procedure, the aim of this study was to set up a classification system for procedure-related complications, prospectively record and analyze them. Specialists in the field of foreign body removal contributed cases anonymously. Information regarding procedural details of the bronchoscopy, type, and severity of complications as well as patient characteristics were classified and recorded. Correlations were calculated using Pearson's Chi Square test. A total of 314 rigid and 178 flexible bronchoscopies were compared. Complications were categorized and their severity was defined by the anesthesiologist's assessment of whether to interrupt or terminate the procedure. The overall complication rate was similar in rigid vs. flexible bronchoscopy (19.1% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.232), while respiratory complications occurred significantly less frequent during rigid bronchoscopy (9.2% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.025). This is the largest pediatric case collection recording and comparing complications between rigid and flexible foreign body removal. The higher rate of respiratory complications in flexible bronchoscopy has been shown for the first time and validates some of the concerns about its use for foreign body removal. Flexible bronchoscopy is a safe procedure when extended respiratory monitoring and the possibility of an immediate switch to a secured airway are assured.

A sunflower seed foreign body aspiration misdiagnosed as pneumonia in a child after tetralogy of Fallot operation: A case report

Approaching a child with dyspnea, coughing, and wheezing, doctors must consider a foreign body in the respiratory tract, and bronchoscopy should be performed. This report described a child having sunflower seed aspiration late- and misdiagnosed as pneumonia. He failed with antibiotics therapy. The patient underwent a bronchoscopy, and then the seed was found and entirely removed.

Foreign body aspiration in Israeli children during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a decline in pediatric emergency department visits. Our aim was to assess the pattern of pediatric foreign body aspiration (FBA) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to the prior years.

METHODS

In this retrospective multicenter study, we compared the number of children who presented with FBA during the COVID-19 year (March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021) to the annual average of the years 2016-2019. We also compared the lockdown periods to the postlockdown periods, and the percentage of missed FBA, proven FBA, and flexible bronchoscopy as the removal procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 345 children with FBA from six centers were included, 276 in the pre-COVID-19 years (average 69 per year) and 69 in the COVID-19 year. There was no difference in the prevalence of FBA between the COVID-19 year and any of the prior 4 years. Examining the lockdown effect, the monthly incidence of FBA dropped from a pre-COVID-19 average of 5.75 cases to 5.1 cases during lockdown periods and increased to 6.3 cases in postlockdown periods. No difference in the percentage of missed FB or proven FB was observed. There was a significant rise in the usage of flexible bronchoscopy as the removal procedure (average of 15.4% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There were fewer cases of pediatric FBA during lockdown periods, compared to post-lockdown periods, presumably related to better parental supervision, with no difference in the prevalence of FBA during the COVID-19 year.

Tooth aspiration in two cats following maxillofacial trauma

Case series summary

Tooth aspiration is a rare occurrence in human medicine, and even more so in veterinary medicine. This report describes two cats that aspirated a tooth (one canine tooth and one premolar tooth) following maxillofacial trauma. One cat presented with dyspnoea, while the other showed no respiratory clinical signs. In both cases diagnosis was reached by obtaining routine thoracic radiographs, and successful retrieval of the teeth was achieved by bronchoscopy. Both cats recovered uneventfully.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the veterinary literature of tooth aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree following maxillofacial trauma. The scope of this case series is to raise awareness that tooth aspiration can occur following maxillofacial trauma and has the potential for serious complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Therefore, an oral examination must be performed in every maxillofacial trauma patient and missing teeth should be accounted for, even when respiratory clinical signs are not detected.

Clinical analysis of bronchoscope diagnosis and treatment for airway foreign body removal in pediatric patients

Background

Along with the wide spread application and technical development of the flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, the airway foreign body removing method cme to the specific technique for different foreign bodies from the single foreign body forceps.

Methods

Selected 633 children who were diagnosed as airway foreign bodies by the Department of Respiratory Intervention, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University from January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2021, and the airway foreign bodies were diagnosed using bronchoscopy. After comprehensive assessment of the foreign body nature in the airway, the foreign bodies were removed by freezing, laser, electrocoagulation, balloon and other techniques, the success rate of the foreign body removed from the airway was observed, the percentage of the foreign body removed using different techniques, the operation time, and the incidence of post-adverse reactions during operation.

Results

The success rate using flexible bronchoscope alone to remove foreign bodies in the airway was 99.2%. After flexible bronchoscopy, 19 cases of foreign bodies were removed by vacuum suction alone, 513 cases were removed by foreign body forceps alone, 62 cases were combined with cryotherapy, 2 cases were electrocoagulation, 6 cases were mesh baskets, 3 cases were balloons, 5 cases were laser, and various 18 cases of foreign bodies were invloved by technical combination. 5 cases of flexible bronchoscope combined with rigid bronchoscope combined to remove foreign bodies. The operation time was from 5 min to 1 h, with an average of 20 min. There were 17 cases of hypoxemia (2.7%) during operation, 36 cases (5.7%) of bleeding caused by airway mucosa injury after treatment, and 70 cases (11.2%) of laryngeal edema. The total incidence of adverse reactions was 19.6%, there were no deaths due to foreign bodies and treatment.

Conclusions

According to different properties of airway foreign bodies, it is safe and effective to select appropriate techniques to remove foreign bodies using the flexible bronchoscope, which can increase the removal rate of airway foreign bodies and reduce the occurrence of serious complications.

CircZNF652 promotes the goblet cell metaplasia by targeting the miR-452-5p/JAK2 signaling pathway in allergic airway epithelia

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play potentially important roles in various human diseases; however, their roles in the goblet cell metaplasia of asthma remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the potential role and underlying mechanism of circZNF652 in the regulation of allergic airway epithelial remodeling.

METHODS

The differential expression profiles of circRNAs were analyzed by transcriptome microarray, and the effects and mechanisms underlying circZNF652-mediated goblet cell metaplasia were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, Western blot, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses. The roles of circZNF652 and miR-452-5p in allergic airway epithelial remodeling were explored in both the mouse model with allergic airway inflammation and children with asthma.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty circRNAs were differentially expressed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of children with asthma versus children with foreign body aspiration, and 52 and 108 of them were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Among them, circZNF652 was predominantly expressed and robustly upregulated in airway epithelia of both the children with asthma and the mouse model with allergic airway inflammation. circZNF652 promoted the goblet cell metaplasia by functioning as a sponge of miR-452-5p, which released the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) expression and subsequently activated JAK2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) signaling in the allergic airway epithelia. In addition, epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1, a splicing factor, accelerated the biogenesis of circZNF652 by binding to its flanking intron to promote the goblet cell metaplasia in allergic airway epithelial remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulation of circZNF652 expression in allergic bronchial epithelia contributed to the goblet cell metaplasia by activating the miR-452-5p/JAK2/STAT6 signaling pathway; thus, blockage of circZNF652 or agonism of miR-452-5p provided an alternative approach for the therapeutic intervention of epithelial remodeling in allergic airway inflammation.

Successful Management Foreign Body Aspiration Associated with Severe Respiratory Distress and Subcutaneous Emphysema: Case Report and Literature Review

The presence of a foreign body in the airway is a potentially life-threatening clinical condition that requires urgent medical attention. We present a case of a 12-year-old boy who presented in the emergency room with a history of an episode of choking after aspiration of a foreign body, followed by severe respiratory distress and subcutaneous emphysema. Chest radiography revealed hyperinflation data, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema data. The flexible bronchoscope examination showed the presence of an inorganic foreign body impacted on the carina with tracheal lesions and laryngeal edema. It was necessary to perform a tracheostomy for its definitive extraction. The gold standard in the treatment of foreign body aspiration is bronchoscopy; although, in children, the technique adopted continues to be controversial, flexible bronchoscopy can be effective and very useful.

Foreign body aspirations in dental clinics: a narrative review

Foreign body aspiration can produce a medical emergency. Obstruction of the airways can be life-threatening, and complications may develop in less-severe cases if it is left untreated. Although it is more prevalent in children by approximately three times, adults can still experience it, and it is more frequently related to healthcare in adults. Objects used in dental treatment are usually placed in the oral cavity and can be ingested or inhaled by accident. Dental treatment has been identified as an important cause of the misplacement of foreign bodies in the airway. However, few reports have been published on dentistry-related foreign body aspiration. This paper discusses the disease course, management, and clinical outcomes of foreign body aspiration, especially those associated with dentistry. The patient must be examined for respiratory distress. If the patient is unstable, urgent airway management and the maneuvers for removal should be performed. Radiographs and computed tomography can help identify and locate the object. The treatment of choice is often bronchoscopy, and both flexible and rigid endoscopes can be used depending on the situation. Preventive measures need to be implemented to avoid inhalation accidents given the potential consequences. Though the incidence is rare, healthcare levels need to be enhanced to avert morbidity and mortality. Radiological evaluation and bronchoscopy are vital for management.

The clinical application of flexible bronchoscopy in a neonatal intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

Flexible bronchoscopy is widely used in infants and it plays a crucial role. The aim of this study was to investigate the value and clinical safety of flexible bronchoscopy in a neonatal intensive care unit.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 116 neonates who underwent flexible bronchoscopy and the outcomes of 147 procedures. A correlation analysis was performed on the relationship between flexible bronchoscopy findings, microscopic indications, and clinical disease.

RESULTS

The 147 procedures performed were due to the following reasons: problems related to artificial airways, 58 cases (39.45%); upper respiratory problems, 60 cases (40.81%) (recurrent dyspnea, 23 cases; upper airway obstruction, 17 cases; recurrent stridor, 14 cases; and hoarseness, six cases), lower respiratory problems, 51 cases (34.69%) (persistent pneumonia, 21 cases; suspicious airway anatomical disease, 21 cases; recurrent atelectasis, eight cases; and pneumorrhagia, one case), feeding difficulty three cases (2.04%). The 147 endoscopic examinations were performed for the following reasons: pathological changes, 141 cases (95.92%); laryngomalacia, 78 cases (53.06%); mucosal inflammation/secretions, 64 cases (43.54%); vocal cord paralysis, 29 cases (19.72%); trachea/bronchus stenosis, 17 cases (11.56%) [five cases of congenital annular constriction of the trachea, seven cases of left main tracheal stenosis, one case of the right middle bronchial stenosis, two cases of tracheal compression, and two cases of congenital tracheal stenosis]; subglottic lesions, 15 cases (10.20%) [eight cases of subglottic granulation tissue, six cases of subglottic stenosis, one cases of subglottic hemangioma]; tracheomalacia, 14 cases (9.52%); laryngeal edema, five cases (3.40%); tracheoesophageal fistula, four cases (2.72%); rhinostenosis, three cases (2.04%); tracheal bronchus, three cases (2.04%); glossoptosis, two cases (1.36%); laryngeal cyst, two cases (1.36%); laryngeal cleft, two cases (1.36%); tongue base cysts, one case (0.68%); and pneumorrhagia, one case (0.68%). Complications were rare and mild.

CONCLUSION

Flexible bronchoscopy is safe and effective for diagnosing and differentiating neonatal respiratory disorders in neonatal intensive care units.

May the first-line treatment for foreign body aspiration in childhood be flexible bronchoscopy?

INTRODUCTION:

Rigid bronchoscopy (RB) is the traditional treatment in foreign body (FB) aspiration in childhood but is a traumatic and invasive procedure. However, flexible optic bronchoscopy (FoB) is a noninvasive and nontraumatic respiratory intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate FoB as a first-line treatment modality in pediatric cases presenting with a preliminary diagnosis of FB aspiration.

METHODS:

Subjects who underwent FoB under general anesthesia with the preliminary diagnosis of FB aspiration were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Two cases were inherited from pediatric surgery because they were not removed with FoB. The demographic, clinical, and radiological findings at the presentation were recorded. Results of success rate and complications were recorded.

RESULTS:

Among the FB aspiration cases age range of 7 months to 16 years. FoB demonstrated a FB in the airways of 31 (62.2%) subjects. The duration of the symptoms in the subjects was 9.1 ± 8.8 days. Three of the cases were taken over from pediatric surgery because they were not removed with RB. Most commonly encountered FB's were organic materials (n = 20, 64%). FoB was successful in removing the FB from the proximal and also distal airways in 93% of the subjects. No significant complications and side effects were observed except post-FoB cough.

CONCLUSION:

This result has shown that FoB for the treatment of FB aspiration is successful in removing FB aspiration from both the proximal and distal airway that the RB cannot remove. Furthermore, FoB did not have any significant airway complication. FoB may be used as the first-line treatment modality for FB aspiration instead of RB in childhood the fact that noninvasive and nontraumatic respiratory intervention.

When is asthma not guilty?

Asthma is a common childhood condition. Its prevalence in Saudi Arabia is high, increasing, and could exceed 20% at the current trajectory. Asthma is a syndrome with different clinical presentations and phenotypes. Many conditions are often misdiagnosed as asthma because they share the same symptoms, particularly coughing and shortness of breath; physical findings, such as wheezing; radiological findings, such as hyperinflation on chest X-ray; or even responses to asthma therapies, as in some patients with bronchiolitis. When treating the younger age group (>5 years old), there should be a high degree of suspicion of alternative causes when evaluating patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of asthma or patients who do not respond well to asthma therapies. This study will highlight common conditions that may mimic asthma and, as a result of incorrect treatment, unnecessarily expose patients to steroids and other therapies for extended periods. Furthermore, we seek to alert healthcare providers to common symptoms and signs that suggest a cause other than asthma and suggest when to refer the patient to subspecialists.

Pediatric Airway Endoscopy: Recommendations of the Society for Pediatric Pneumology

For many decades, pediatric bronchoscopy has been an integral part of the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pulmonary diseases in children. Rapid technical advances have continuously influenced the performance of the procedure. Over the years, the application of pediatric bronchoscopy has considerably expanded to a broad range of indications. In this comprehensive and up-to-date guideline, the Special Interest Group of the Society for Pediatric Pneumology reviewed the most recent literature on pediatric bronchoscopy and reached a consensus on a safe technical performance of the procedure.

From rigid to flexible bronchoscopy: a tertiary center experience in removal of inhaled foreign bodies in children

Rigid bronchoscopy is the procedure of choice for removal of inhaled foreign bodies. In this retrospective study, we assessed the safety and efficacy of flexible bronchoscopy use in the removal of inhaled foreign bodies in children. One hundred eighty-two patients (median age of 24 months, 58% males) underwent an interventional bronchoscopy for the removal of inhaled foreign body between 2009 and 2019, 40 (22%) by flexible, and 142 (78%) by rigid bronchoscopy. 88.73% of rigid and 95% of flexible bronchoscopies were successful in foreign bodies removal (p value = 0.24). Complication rate was higher among rigid bronchoscopy (9.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.047). From 2017 onwards, following the implementation of flexible bronchoscopy for foreign bodies removal, 64 procedures were performed, 33 (51.6%) flexible, and 31 (48.4%) rigid. Procedure length was shorter via flexible bronchoscopy (42 vs 58 min, p = 0.016). Length of hospital stay was similar.Conclusion: In our hands, flexible bronchoscopy is an efficient and safe method for removal of inhaled foreign bodies in children, with shorter procedure time and minimal complication rate. Flexible bronchoscopy could be considered as the procedure of choice for removal of inhaled foreign bodies in children, by an experienced multidisciplinary team. What is Known: • Rigid bronchoscopy is currently the gold standard for removal of inhaled foreign bodies in children. • Rigid bronchoscopy has a relatively high complication rate compared to flexible bronchoscopy. What is New: • Flexible bronchoscopy is a short, safe, and efficient procedure to remove inhaled foreign bodies in children, compared to rigid bronchoscopy. • Flexible bronchoscopy could be proposed as the procedure of choice for removal of inhaled foreign bodies in children, if an experienced operator is available.

Pediatric bronchoscopy: recent advances and clinical challenges

Introduction: During the last 40 years equipment has been improved with smaller instruments and sufficient size working channels. This has ensured that bronchoscopy offers therapeutic and interventional options.Areas covered: We provide a review of recent advances and clinical challenges in pediatric bronchoscopy. This includes single-use bronchoscopes, endobronchial ultrasound, and cryoprobe. Bronchoscopy in persistent preschool wheezing and asthma is included. The indications for interventional bronchoscopy have amplified and included balloon dilatation, endoscopic intubation, the use of airway stents, whole lung lavage, closing of fistulas and air leak, as well as an update on removal of foreign bodies. Others include the use of laser and microdebrider in airway surgery. Experience with bronchoscope during the COVID-19 pandemic has been included in this review. PubMed was searched for articles on pediatric bronchoscopy, including rigid bronchoscopy as well as interventional bronchoscopy with a focus on reviewing literature in the past 5 years.Expert opinion: As the proficiency of pediatric interventional pulmonologists continues to grow more interventions are being performed. There is a scarcity of published evidence in this field. Courses for pediatric interventional bronchoscopy need to be developed. The COVID-19 experience resulted in safer bronchoscopy practice for all involved.

Interventional therapy via flexible bronchoscopy in the management of foreign body-related occlusive endobronchial granulation tissue formation in children

BACKGROUND

Occlusive granulation tissue formation, as one of the most common sequelae of chronic foreign body aspiration, can cause tracheobronchial obstruction and delayed fixed airway stenosis necessitating interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of interventional therapy via flexible bronchoscopy for treatment of granulation tissue related airway obstruction secondary to foreign body aspiration in children.

METHOD

Patients with long-term foreign body related granulation tissue were treated with flexible bronchoscopy therapeutic modalities, including forceps, cryotherapy, holmium laser, and balloon dilatation. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by clinical symptoms and endoscopic manifestations.

RESULTS

A total of eight patients with granulation tissue hyperplasia caused by foreign body in bronchus, with a median age of 29.5 (range, 18-54) months, underwent interventional therapy between January 2016 and December 2019. Four patients received forceps and CO₂ cryotherapy and one patient required forceps only. The remaining three patients received holmium laser combined with CO₂ cryotherapy, and one of them required additional balloon dilatation. Four cases required a second cryotherapy procedure, and one case received three cryotherapy procedures for extensive granulation tissue. The treatment efficacy was 100% without complications.

CONCLUSION

Interventional procedure via flexible bronchoscopy is a safe, reliable, and effective method in the management of tracheobronchial obstruction and stenosis caused by foreign body-related granulation tissue hyperplasia. It is worthy of clinical application.

Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen and bronchial obstruction caused by a rotten vegetable leaf mimic lung cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a potentially risky medical event, while the condition often requires early detection and rapid intervention to improve respiratory symptoms and prevent major morbidity. Notably, foreign bodies may not be identified and they are likely to be mistaken for neoplastic lesions. However, CEA, as one of tumor markers, presents to be available for assisting in lung cancer diagnosis, especially for non-small-cell lung cancer, while the specificity of CEA is not high.

METHODS

Here, we described a case of bronchial opening obstruction with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) that was firstly misdiagnosed as lung cancer and proved as foreign body aspiration in the upper lobe bronchus of right lung by bronchoscopy.

RESULTS

Carcinoembryonic antigen level increased. CT scan demonstrated a cavitation accompanied by multiple small nodular shadows appeared in the right upper lobe field. Bronchoscopy suggested right upper lobe bronchus was blocked by a brown smooth organism with plenty of purulent materials, which was proved as a rotten vegetable leaf.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated CEA and bronchial obstruction are not typical manifestations of lung cancer. Bronchoscopy is crucial for making a reliable diagnosis.

The clinical safety and efficacy of flexible bronchoscopy in a neonatal intensive care unit

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB), developed in the 1960s, is widely used in the clinical practice of pediatrics and has demonstrated fundamental value in clinical diagnoses and treatment. However, as an invasive procedure, the use of FB is limited due to concerns regarding the tolerance of the procedure and the possible complications in neonatal units. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Neonates (n=54) who received FB in the NICU of Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016 were enrolled as the experimental group and another 54 neonates who required nebulization and tracheal secretion suction treatments were the control group. Indicators including blood gas, complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), X-ray, patient breathing rate, temperature and blood pressure were monitored prior to and following the procedure. No significant differences in sex, gestational age, birth weight or postnatal age were observed between the experimental group and the control group (P>0.05). Among the 54 FB patients, several cases with side effect were identified, including 18 (33.3%) with respiratory tract stenosis, nine (16.7%) with malacia and stenosis and six (11.1%) with esophagotracheal fistula. Among the 54 members of the control group, 44 neonates (81.4%) were discharged with improved condition, five (9.3%) succumbed and five patients (9.3%) abandoned the treatment and left the hospital. Bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated consistent results with respiratory secretion culture or tracheal tube culture. In comparison between the experimental and the control groups, no significant difference in pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO₂), partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) and HCO₃ ^- was observed, while there were no statistical differences in the values of pH, PCO₂ and HCO₃ ^- (P>0.05). However, PO₂ was significantly increased, and CRP was significantly reduced, following FB procedure compared with prior to FB (P<0.05). No pneumothorax, shock, other severe complications, fever or diffused pneumonia were observed during or after FB. The data from the present study demonstrated that FB is a safe and effective strategy for the diagnosis and differentiation of neonatal respiratory diseases in NICU.

Endoscopic removal of tracheobronchial foreign bodies: results on a series of 51 pediatric patients

PURPOSE

Rigid bronchoscopy (RB) is still considered the gold standard approach for the removal of airway foreign bodies (FBs) in children; however, flexible bronchoscopy (FOB) has recently been proposed both as diagnostic and therapeutic means. Our purpose was to evaluate the outcomes of FOB, associated with the Dormia basket, for the removal of FBs.

METHODS

Retrospective data about 124 children who underwent bronchoscopy for the suspicion of a FB aspiration between January 2008 and January 2019 in our department were collected.

RESULTS

In a total of 51 cases, FBs were removed through FOB or RB associated with forceps or Dormia basket. Male to female ratio was 1.8:1, mean age 30 ± 26.1 months. Thirty-four (67%) FBs were directly removed through FOB, in most of the cases using Dormia basket and twelve (23%) patients underwent RB. The overall left-versus-right distribution was 57% vs. 43%. The mean retrieval procedural time was 36.29 ± 24.99 min for FOB and 52.5 ± 29.74 min for RB; the success rate of the procedures was 97% vs. 67%.

CONCLUSION

FOB can be used not only as a diagnostic procedure, but also as the first method for the removal of airway FBs. The Dormia basket is a useful tool, especially to remove peripherally located FBs.

Application of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the removal of adult airway foreign bodies

Background

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a rapid, cost effective and safe procedure.

Aim

To analyze demographic information and endoscopic findings in adult patients with airway foreign body aspiration and its removal.

Methods

Fifty-seven adults (40 males, 17 females; average age 40 years old) with airway foreign body aspiration were analyzed. Cough (37, 65%) was the most common clinical presentation. The most common foreign body was bone followed by dental prosthesis and food debris.

Results

In the current study, 42 out of the 57 (74%) airway foreign bodies were successfully removed under flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. However, it was failed in 15 patients and thus, rigid bronchoscopy was used to remove foreign bodies successfully in 13 of the 15 patients. Thoracotomy was performed for the 2 patients whose foreign body removal was unsuccessful even with rigid bronchoscopy.

Conclusion

The findings of the current study revealed that flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the removal of adult airway foreign bodies in the majority of cases. Rigid bronchoscopy can be a backup procedure in case flexible bronchoscopy is failed.

An apple a day won't keep the doctor away: presentation, treatment, and outcome in pediatric apple aspirations

INTRODUCTION

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is a frequent and preventable source of morbidity and mortality, especially in children under 4 years of age. Few comprehensive studies exist on presentation and outcome of apple aspirations in children.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of bronchoscopy records of a tertiary medical care center from January 2007 to August 2019, we identified pediatric cases of suspected apple aspirations.

RESULTS

A total of 11 suspected apple aspirations were identified (observation time 12.7 years, n = 5858 bronchoscopies, n = 226 interventions due to suspected FB aspirations in total). The mean age of patients was 24 months (standard error mean, 7 months; range, 8-83 months), and 6 out of 11 cases (55%) were male. Bronchoscopy confirmed apple aspiration in n = 6/11 cases (55%). In n = 2/11 cases (18%), a bite of the apple was located in the esophagus causing significant tracheal narrowing, and in n = 3/11 cases (27%), no FB was found. In all cases of airway FB identification, extraction was successful. Hypersalivation was associated with esophageal FB location, whereas persistent cough, stridor, or dyspnea were associated with airway FB location. Outcomes ranged from complete reconstitution 1 day after bronchoscopy in most cases to hypoxemia with severe brain damage in one patient.

DISCUSSION

This analysis shows that apple aspirations are not entirely uncommon in children and may lead to disastrous complications. Typical signs of airway location are persistent cough, stridor or dyspnea, whereas hypersalivation may point toward an esophageal location. In each case of suspected apple aspiration, timely bronchoscopy with possible FB extraction should be performed by an experienced team.

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children: A retrospective single-center cross-sectional study

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is a common and serious problem in childhood as it requires early recognition and treatment to avoid potentially lethal consequences. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of airway FBs in a pediatric Chinese population.A retrospective review of medical records of children aged 0 to 14 years who attended with a diagnosis of FB aspiration the Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2013 and December 2017 was carried out. Descriptive analysis was used to assess patient's demographics, clinical, radiographic, bronchoscopic findings, time to presentation, and characteristics of the FBs.Among the 200 patients included in the study, 92% were under 3 years of age, with a peak incidence of FB aspiration occurring between 1 and 2 years old. The male to female ratio was about 2.6:1. Twenty-three percent of the patients were admitted within 24 hours of the event, 40% within 1 week, 30% within 1 month, and 7% more than 1 month after aspiration. The most common presenting symptoms of laryngotracheal FBs were cough, dyspnea, and wheezing; those of bronchial FBs were cough, decreased air entry, and wheezing. Chest X-ray was normal in four-fifths of the children with laryngotracheal FBs, whereas most common abnormal X-ray findings in children with bronchial FBs were mediastinal shift, obstructive emphysema, and pneumonia. There was a trend that in children younger than 2 years FBs were more frequently found in the left bronchus, whereas in older children FBs were more frequently found in the right bronchus. Ninety-three percent of the removed FBs were organic materials such as food items and the most frequently aspirated FBs were peanuts. Flexible bronchoscopy was performed in 82.5% of the patients, while rigid bronchoscopy or direct laryngoscopy in 17.5% of the patients. Four patients were subjected to thoracic surgery and 1 died during rigid bronchoscopy due to acute respiratory failure.FBs is a frequent pathology among Chinese children. Tracheobronchial FBs should be strongly suspected in young children who have sudden onset of cough and wheezing episode, even when physical and radiographic evidence is absent.

IL-4/IL-13 upregulates Sonic hedgehog expression to induce allergic airway epithelial remodeling

We have previously demonstrated that upregulation of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) expression in allergic airway epithelia essentially contributes to the goblet cell metaplasia and mucous hypersecretion. However, the mechanism underlying the upregulation of SHH expression remains completely unknown. In cultured human airway epithelial cells, IL-4/IL-13 but not IL-5 robustly induces the mRNA and protein expression of SHH and in turn activates SHH signaling by promoting the JAK/STAT6-controlling transcription of SHH gene. Moreover, intratracheal instillation of IL-4 and/or IL-13 robustly activates STAT6 and concomitantly upregulates SHH expression in mouse airway epithelia, whereas, in Club cell 10-kDa protein (CC10)-positive airway epithelial cells of children with asthma, activated STAT6 closely correlates with the increased expression of SHH and high activity of SHH signaling. Finally, intratracheal inhibition of STAT6 by AS-1517499 significantly diminished the allergen-induced upregulation of SHH expression, goblet cell phenotypes, and airway hyperresponsiveness, in an ovalbumin- or house dust mite-induced mouse model with allergic airway inflammation,. Together, upregulation of SHH expression by IL-4/IL-13-induced JAK/STAT6 signaling contributes to allergic airway epithelial remodeling, and this study thus provides insight into how morphogen signaling is coordinated with Th2 cytokine pathways to regulate tissue remodeling in chronic airway diseases.

Removal of distal airway foreign body with the help of fluoroscopy in a child

Most foreign bodies are located in the central airways and can be reached and removed with either a flexible or rigid bronchoscope or a combination of the two methods. The removal of more distal foreign bodies can present a significant challenge. We describe a case of an 11-year-old child, who aspirated a sewing needle that lodged in a distal subsegment of the medial segment of the right lower lobe. As a result, it was visible only with the 2.8 mm flexible bronchoscope (FOB). Mono-planar fluoroscopic guidance was useful for confirming the placement of the 2.8 mm bronchoscope and allowing for a biopsy forceps to grasp the needle and move it to a larger airway, where it could then be removed safely using a larger FOB. Removal of radiopaque foreign bodies in the distal airways is possible with the aid of fluoroscopy and a small bronchoscope. This report also highlights the risk of aspirating sharp objects when they are placed into the mouth, especially by children, and the dangers posed by sharp object foreign body aspiration.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 11 acts through RhoA/ROCK to regulate eosinophil accumulation in the allergic airway

Src homology domain 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) participates in multiple cell functions including cell shape, movement, and differentiation. Therefore, we investigated the potential role of SHP2 in eosinophil recruitment into lungs in allergic airway inflammation and explored the underlying mechanism. Both SHP2 and Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) kinase were robustly activated in the airway eosinophils of children with allergic asthma and of a mouse model with allergic airway inflammation. Moreover, inhibition of SHP2 activity by its specific inhibitors reverses the dephosphorylation of p190-A Rho GTPase-activating protein and in turn attenuates RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling, resulting in the attenuation of eosinophil migration in response to platelet-activating factor stimulation. Specifically, SHP2 deletion in myeloid cells did not affect the number and classification of circulating leukocytes but significantly attenuated the allergen-induced inflammatory cell, especially eosinophil, infiltration into lungs, and airway hyperreactivity. Notably, genetic interaction between RhoA and SHP2 indicated that RhoA inactivation and SHP2 deletion synergistically attenuated the allergen-induced eosinophil infiltration into lungs and airway hyperreactivity, whereas overexpression of active RhoA robustly restored the SHP2 deletion-resultant attenuation of allergen-induced eosinophil recruitment into lungs and airway hyperreactivity as well. Thus, this study demonstrates that SHP2 via RhoA/ROCK signaling regulates eosinophil recruitment in allergic airway inflammation and possibly in allergic asthma.-Xu, C., Wu, X., Lu, M., Tang, L., Yao, H., Wang, J., Ji, X., Hussain, M., Wu, J., Wu, X. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 11 acts through RhoA/ROCK to regulate eosinophil accumulation in the allergic airway.

Characteristics of correct diagnosis versus misdiagnosis of paediatric tracheobronchial foreign body

Purpose

To characterize and compare children with correct diagnosis (CD) and misdiagnosis (MD) of tracheobronchial foreign body (TBFB).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed to review the medical records of children with CD group and MD group of TBFB. CD was defined when TBFB was identified during the first hospital visit. Otherwise, MD was considered. Demographic information, including gender, age, and clinical information, including clinical presentations and characteristics of foreign bodies, were retrieved. These characteristics were compared between two groups by Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon two-sample test, or Chi-square analysis or Fisher’s exact test, when appropriate.

Results

A total of 462 children with final diagnosis of TBFB were identified, with 276 children having CD and 186 children having MD. The most common location to identify the TBFB was right main bronchus in both CD and MD groups. Children with the previous history of respiratory tract foreign body were more likely to receive the CD. Children in MD group were more likely to have fever, as well as wheezing and crackles during physical examination. They were more likely to have pneumonia. Most common TBFB were peanuts. The majority of the TBFB were removed by the flexible bronchoscope coupled with forceps.

Conclusion

Careful history taking and physical examination, especially for those children with unclear causes for their pneumonia or asthma, or children with no improvement on the treatments, should be performed to rule out the possibility of TBFB. Bronchoscopy should be performed if necessary.

Foreign body aspiration in children with negative multi-detector Computed Tomography results: Own experience during 2011-2018

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to summarize the clinical characteristics of foreign body aspiration(FBA) in children with negative multi-detector Computed Tomography(MDCT) results and to explore the essential points which determined the patients to undergo bronchoscopy.

METHODS

The medical records of 48 pediatric patients admitted to the department of respiratory medicine in our hospital from January 2011 to October 2018 and diagnosed with foreign body aspiration and negative chest MDCT results were retrospectively analyzed. They were compared with the patients of FBA whose MDCT findings suggested indirect signs, such as atelectasis or emphysema.

RESULTS

Of the 48 patients, 33 were boys (68.8%) and 15 girls (31.2%), with a mean age of 35.3 months(range, 7-156 months). Cough (47 cases, 97.9%), fever (25 cases, 52.1%) and wheezing (23 cases,47.9%)were the main symptoms.39 patients (81.3%) had abnormal physical signs. None of the MDCT or three dimension(3D) images based on MDCT revealed foreign bodies in these children, while the results were: signs of lung infection without atelectasis or emphysema 52.1%(25 cases), increase of lung markings16.7%(8 cases),bronchiectasis 6.3%(3 cases), or normal 27.1%(13 cases). 41 Patients were successfully removed their foreign bodies(A further 5 had the FB removed from the tracheobronchial tree but it was then swallowed before retrieval. The remaining 2 cases had to be referred to another hospital for further management), most of which were organic. The shapes of foreign bodies were small granular (23 cases, 56.1%), sheet or powder (18 cases, 43.9%). The control group was 13 patients of FBA whose MDCT findings suggested indirect signs of atelectasis or emphysema during the same time. The result of comparison showed the clear history of FBA was statistically different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Foreign body aspiration could not be ruled out with negative MDCT in patients clinically suspected. Typical foreign body aspiration history and ineffective conservative treatment could provide important basis of performing bronchoscopy. Complicated with lung infection and the shape of foreign bodies may affect the false negative results of MDCT.

Utility of bronchoscopy combined with surgery in the treatment and outcomes of dogs with intrathoracic disease secondary to plant awn migration

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of bronchoscopy in dogs undergoing computed tomography (CT) and surgery for intrathoracic disease (pyothorax and pneumothorax) secondary to migrating plant awns (MPA) and to report outcomes in dogs that did and did not undergo bronchoscopy in addition to CT and surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS

Thirty-seven client-owned dogs.

METHODS

Medical records from 2008 to 2017 were reviewed for dogs with documented MPA in the thoracic cavity treated with CT and surgery with or without bronchoscopy. Information regarding diagnostics, treatments, complications, and outcomes relating to hospitalization was evaluated.

RESULTS

At least one abnormal lung lobe was identified by CT in all dogs. Bronchial abnormalities were identified with bronchoscopy in 21 of 22 dogs (95.4%) with available reports. Agreement between CT and bronchoscopy findings ranged from 50% to 81.8%, depending on lung lobe. Thirty-six dogs had one or more lung lobes surgically removed. Thirty-seven MPA were retrieved via bronchoscopy in 10 of 27 (37%) dogs, and 39 MPA were retrieved at surgery in 26 of 37 (70.3%) dogs. Actinomyces spp. were cultured from surgical samples in 7 of 33 (21.2%) dogs. Thirty-five of 37 (94.6%) dogs survived to discharge.

CONCLUSION

Migrating plant awns were successfully retrieved via bronchoscopy. Agreement between CT findings and bronchoscopy was inconsistent, so there may be roles for both modalities. Short- and long-term survival was excellent in this cohort.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Bronchoscopy may allow for diagnostic and therapeutic advantages compared with CT in dogs with endobronchial MPA. Actinomyces spp appear to be variably present in surgically acquired bacterial cultures in dogs with MPA.

Flexible Bronchoscopy Combined with Rigid Bronchoscopy for Treatment of Scarring in the Bronchus Caused by a Foreign Body

Foreign body (FB) aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree is an emergency in the pediatric department, particularly in children aged <3 years. FB granulation tissue is commonly found in children with FB aspiration. However, scarring in the bronchus caused by a FB is rare. We herein report a case involving aspiration of a plastic whistle toy with scarring in the bronchus. The scar tissue was successfully removed by interventional bronchoscopy combined with a flexible electrosurgery probe and carbon dioxide cryotherapy.

New classifications for Life-threatening foreign body airway obstruction

INTRODUCTION

Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) is a common medical emergency; however, few studies of life-threatening FBAO have been reported and no standard classification system is available.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients who presented to the emergency departments of two hospitals and were diagnosed with FBAO. The primary outcome was cerebral performance category (CPC) score at discharge. To establish a new classification system for FBAO, FBAO was classified into three types based on the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the obstructed airway.

RESULTS

A total of 137 patients were enrolled. Median age was 79.0 years. The most common cause of FBAO was meat, followed by bread, rice cake, and rice. Of all patients, 65.7% suffered cardiac arrest and 51.1% died. In contrast, 28.5% had favorable neurological outcomes, defined as CPC 1 and 2. Upper airway obstruction (type 1) was the most common (type 1, 78.1%), while trachea and/or bilateral main bronchus obstruction (type 2, 12.4%) showed significantly higher mortality than type 1 obstruction (82.4% vs 47.7%, P = 0.0078). Patients with unilateral bronchus and/or distal bronchus obstruction (type 3, 9.5%) were significantly more likely to consume a dysphagia diet than type 1 patients (23.1% vs 0%, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with life-threatening FBAO were elderly and had poor neurological outcomes. Our new classification system divides FBAO into three types, and revealed that mortality was significantly higher with type 2 than type 1 obstruction. This classification system may improve the management of patients with FBAO and assessment of patient outcomes.

The role of flexible bronchoscopy accomplished through a laryngeal mask airway in the treatment of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in children

INTRODUCTION

We here present our experience with children who underwent flexible bronchoscopy for removal of inhaled tracheobronchial foreign bodies under general anesthesia via a laryngeal mask airway (LMA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 24 (16 male and 8 female, mean age: 30.75 ± 29.68 months) patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy under general anesthesia using a LMA for suspicion of tracheobronchial foreign bodies between July 2016 and April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean duration of admission to hospital was 162.56 ± 309.56 h. Sixteen (66.7%) patients were found to have tracheobronchial foreign bodies. All procedures were successfully accomplished through a LMA by using basket forceps, a Fogarty catheter and a suction without any need for rigid bronchoscopy. 11 (68.7%) of tracheobronchial foreign body locations were right bronchial, 3 (18.8%) were left bronchial and 2 (12.5%) were tracheal. The types of extracted tracheobronchial foreign bodies were organic in 14 (87.5%) and non-organic in 2 (12.5%). There were no complications except laryngeal edema noted in 2 (8.3%) patients, relieved within 48 h. The mean time of postoperative hospitalisation was 2.42 ± 0.97 days.

CONCLUSION

Flexible bronchoscopy accomplished through a LMA is a safe, easy and effective technique, not only as a diagnostic procedure, but also as the initial therapeutic modality for retrieving tracheobronchial foreign bodies in children with high success and low complication rates. With further reports aforementioned, we hope that the flexible bronchoscopy will become a standard method in children.

High expression of Sonic hedgehog in allergic airway epithelia contributes to goblet cell metaplasia

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is abundantly expressed and critical for morphogenesis in embryonic lungs; however, SHH expression drops to a much lower level in mice from E17.5 and in humans from the 21st gestational week. We find that SHH expression is robustly upregulated in the airway epithelia of children with asthma or mouse models with allergic airway disease. Specifically, airway-specific SMO loss of function significantly suppresses allergen-induced goblet cell phenotypes, whereas an airway-specific SMO gain of function markedly enhances the goblet cell phenotypes in mouse models with allergic airway disease. Notably, intratracheal administration with SHH-neutralizing antibody or cyclopamine robustly attenuates goblet cell phenotypes in mouse models with allergic airway disease. Finally, we identify that Muc5AC gene encoding MUC5AC mucin serves as a direct target of GLI transcriptional factors in response to SHH, whereas the SAM-pointed domain-containing ETS transcription factor and Forkhead box A2, critical transcriptional factors for goblet cell phenotypes, both function as the effectors of GLIs in response to SHH stimulation. Together, the upregulation of SHH expression in allergic bronchial epithelia contributes to goblet cell metaplasia; thus, blockage of SHH signaling is a rational approach in a therapeutic intervention of epithelial remodeling in chronic airway diseases.

Successful retrieval of a plastic bead from the airway of a child by flexible bronchoscopy and a balloon-tipped catheter: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Bronchial foreign body aspiration is a critical condition that jeopardizes the respiratory function of children. Prompt diagnosis and removal of the foreign body can reduce occurrence of foreign body complications and mortality. Aspiration of spherical plastic beads is rare, and the bead is difficult to retrieve.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 8-year-old girl developed cough, transient throat wheezing, and intermittent cough after she accidentally inhaled a plastic bead 7 hours ago. Chest computed tomography scan revealed a round shadow 1.2 cm in diameter in the right main bronchus.

DIAGNOSES

Foreign body in the right main bronchus.

INTERVENTIONS

Retrieval by balloon-tipped catheter via flexible bronchoscopy was undertaken.

OUTCOMES

The bead was successfully retrieved and the child recovered uneventfully.

LESSONS

Foreign body aspiration in children constitutes a medical emergency in severe cases. Flexible bronchoscopy and balloon-tipped catheter retrieval can be used as an effective noninvasive treatment for aspiration of plastic beads.

Application of cystourethroscopy during tracheobronchial foreign body removal in children

Objective

This study aimed to describe preliminary experiences associated with removal of tracheobronchial foreign bodies (TFBs) by cystourethroscopy (CU).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 127 paediatric cases of TFB removal by CU at our centre from January 2009 to August 2016. Data that were extracted from the medical records included age, sex, location and nature of the TFBs, operation time, and complications.

Results

All TFBs were successfully removed by CU. The mean time of the procedure was 3.38 ± 2.86 minutes. A total of 102 (80.31%) patients had successful removal of TFBs by CU during the initial trial, 19 (14.96%) were successfully treated in the second trial, and six (4.72%) required a third trial. Otolaryngologists with 2, 5, and 7 years of professional CU training showed a mean TFB removal time of 3.38 ± 2.13, 3.40 ± 3.60, and 3.37 ± 2.86 minutes, respectively. In the operations, oxygen saturation fell below 90% at an average occurrence of 0.39 times, but no patients showed a decrease below 85%. Only one patient experienced laryngeal oedema after the procedure.

Conclusion

CU is a useful technique and minimizes complications and operational risks during removal of paediatric TFBs.

Successful removal of an intractable mucoid impaction in the bronchus using a Fogarty catheter with flexible bronchoscopy

Rigid bronchoscopy is commonly used as the standard method to diagnosis and remove obstructive material from the tracheobronchial tree. However, a rigid bronchoscope has limitations when removing a foreign body with surface properties that make it difficult to grasp. We experienced a case that involved the removal of a mucoid impaction, which was accompanied by a near-total unilateral lung collapse, using a Fogarty catheter with flexible bronchoscopy.