Clinical characteristics and outcome of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children: A tertiary care perspective.

Introduction: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease caused by various respiratory and systemic conditions. It is now considered a potentially reversible disease, particularly when diagnosed early and managed with appropriate respiratory care strategies. Although rare in children, it typically develops in patients with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. The etiology of bronchiectasis in children differs from that in adults. This study aims to identify the clinical features, causes, and outcomes of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children at a tertiary center. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted among children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis who attended a university-affiliated hospital between January 2007 and December 2021. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on pulmonary function tests, exacerbation, and mortality. Results: The study included 35 children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The median age at diagnosis was 36 months (IQR: 24-170 months). Bronchiectasis was linked to underlying conditions in 22 cases (62.9%), such as primary immunodeficiency, chronic aspiration, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Thirteen children had infectious-associated bronchiectasis (37.1%), with four cases related to pulmonary tuberculosis. At diagnosis, cystic bronchiectasis was most common ( Conclusions: Primary immune deficiency and chronic aspiration are the most common non-infective causes of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Noninfectious bronchiectasis leads to higher exacerbation and hospitalization rates.