Indications, Efficacy, and Complications of Pediatric Bronchoscopy: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Center

Background Bronchoscopy is an essential procedure for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating pediatric respiratory diseases. In this study, we demonstrate the indications contraindications of bronchoscopy done in a tertiary referral hospital, Al Qassimi Woman's Children's Hospital (AQWCH) Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), order to achieve better service. This study aims evaluate patients' characteristics, diagnostic therapeutic indications, complications bronchoscopy. Material method retrospective chart review included children aged between one day 13 years, admitted AQWCH, who underwent (rigid or flexible) procedures January 2018 December 2019. All patients were identified by using computerized search hospital discharge diagnosis, which was codified as "pediatric bronchoscopy, flexible, rigid, bronchoalveolar lavage". The main outcome measure lavage (BAL) analysis, well at AQWCH. Results There 72 bronchoscopies performed less than years old; reason 51% both 49%. Cough most common symptom (n=53; 74%), chest recession clinical finding (n=46; 64%). Foreign body aspiration indication (n=23; 32%), followed stridor (26%). Consolidation radiological finding. finding, seen 25% bronchoscopies, tracheomalacia 17%. suspected diagnosis confirmed 89%, management change needed 54% patients. complication during desaturation (26%), cough post-bronchoscopy (14%). BAL 28 (39%) patients, culture positive 75%. Rigid when foreign based on history 70%, abnormal physical examination 60%, X-ray abnormalities 39% Sensitivity specificity patient history, examination, 80% 83%, 66% 40% 66 %, respectively. Conclusion important tool While it safe procedure, still needs careful selection invasive.