Clinical Features of Post-Infect-ious Bronchiolitis Obliterans in children: an observational, descriptive and retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction Post-Infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans (PIBO) is a chronic obstructive disease characterized by wheezing, cough, dyspnea and tachypnea persisting for more than six weeks following an episode of acute bronchiolitis. It is caused by recurrent cycles of inflammation that lead to irreversible airway obstruction, particularly affecting small airways. Objectives This study aims to describe and analyse the clinical, analytical, and radiological parameters in a cohort of PIBO patients from ULS São João, in Porto, diagnosed over the past 15 years. Through this study, we seek to contribute to a better understanding of this pathology, from its signs and symptoms at the diagnosis. Methods For this observational, retrospective, and descriptive study, clinical and imaging data were collected from patients diagnosed with PIBO who are followed up in the paediatric pulmonology outpatient clinic. The data were obtained from electronic medical records and subsequently subjected to a descriptive analysis. Results Of the 37 eligible patients, 89.19% required at least one hospitalisation, while only 18.92% required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The mean age at diagnosis was 1.92 years and the average follow-up time was 10.34 years. Regarding long-term therapies, 91.9% received corticosteroid therapy, 64.9% were treated with long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists, 45.9% received azithromycin, and 32.4% were prescribed montelukast. Conclusion PIBO poses diagnostic challenges and requires long-term management. This study highlights the high hospitalisation rate and frequent need for prolonged therapy. Further research is essential to optimise diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes.