OBJECTIVETo study the clinical features and pathogens of plastic bronchitis in children.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 9 children who were diagnosed with plastic bronchitis between January 2011 and December 2012.

RESULTSPlastic bronchitis began with a fever and cough in all cases, followed by progressive dyspnea on days 1-3 of onset; unilateral or bilateral decreased breath sounds and hepatosplenomegaly were found; complications included respiratory failure (6 cases), toxic encephalopathy (6 cases), toxic hepatitis (7 cases), shock (3 cases), heart failure (3 cases), and renal failure (2 cases). Chest X-ray or chest CT showed single and multiple lobar or segmental consolidation and atelectasis, as well as pleural effusion (4 cases). The bronchofibroscopy revealed some grey-white mucus plugs that blocked bronchial openings and aspirates of bronchial shape. Influenza viruses (IFVs) were detected in all cases, including IFV-A (6 cases, 67%) and IFV-B (3 cases, 33%). Mixed infection with IFV-A and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)/bacteria was found in 50% of all cases. In the three cases of IFV-B infection, one was complicated by MP infection. Nine patients were given treatment of antibiotics, hormones, gamma globulin and necessary respiratory support, and also were given removal of endogenous foreign body by bronchoscopy. Five patients were given antiviral therapy of oseltamivir. Seven cases cured, and 2 died.

CONCLUSIONSPlastic bronchitis and severe pneumonia are similar in clinical manifestations. IFVs are the main pathogen. In addition to anti-infection treatment, hormone, gamma globulin, respiratory support, and other conventional treatments, endogenous foreign body removal by bronchofibroscopy and early antiviral therapy with oseltamivir have good efficacy.