Childhood diffuse panbronchiolitis:report of three cases and review of the literature

Objective To improve cognition for pediatric diffuse panbronchiolitis.Methods Totally 3 children with DPB were collected from 2005 to 2007 in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital,and analyzed the clinical manifestations,related lab test results,the pulmonary and imaging manifestations and treatment effects.Results The clinical findings included productive cough,sputum,dyspnea,rhonchi and chronic sinusitis.The pulmonary function tests showed an obstructive pattern.High resolution computed tomography showed a diffuse nodular pattern,airway ectasia,and airway wall thickening.Elevation of cold agglutinin was seen in none of our three cases.Azithromycin treatment was introduced,resulting in clinical and functional improvement.Conclusion DPB can occur in children.Its clinical and radiological features,especially the special findings by HRCT,should be better known by pediatric pulmonary physicians,so that an earlier diagnosis can be made and treatment with macrolides can be given earlier.