OBJECTIVETo explore the features of pulmonary dysfunction in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with different chest imaging findings.

METHODSThe clinical data from 215 children with MPP were reviewed. These patients were grouped based on chest image findings (bronchopneumonia, n=125; lobar pneumonia, n=69; interstitial pneumonia, n=21). Lung function parameters including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and the maximum mid-expiratory flow rate (MMEF 25%-75%) were compared between the groups.

RESULTSIn the acute stage, patients with bronchopneumonia had significantly lower PEF values (measured value and measured value/predicted value) than the other two groups of patients, children with lobar pneumonia had a significant lower MMEF 25%-75% than other patients, and children with interstitial pneumonia had a significantly lower FVC. All patients experienced an improvement in lung function parameters except FEV1 of the lobar pneumonia group in the recovery stage.

CONCLUSIONSVarious features of pulmonary dysfunction can be observed among children with MPP with different chest imaging findings. Patients with bronchopneumonia mainly exhibit large airway dysfunction. The ones with lobar pneumonia mainly suffer small airway dysfunction, and those with interstitial pneumonia demonstrate both airway obstruction and restrictive ventilatory dysfunction.