BACKGROUND: Persistent bacterial bronchitis (PBB) seems to be under-recognised and often misdiagnosed as asthma. In the absence of published data relating to the management and outcomes in this patient group, a review of the outcomes of patients with PBB attending a paediatric respiratory clinic was undertaken. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 81 patients in whom a diagnosis of PBB had been made. Diagnosis was based on the standard criterion of a persistent, wet cough for >1 month that resolves with appropriate antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: The most common reason for referral was a persistent cough or difficult asthma. In most of the patients, symptoms started before the age of 2 years, and had been present for >1 year in 59% of patients. At referral, 59% of patients were receiving asthma treatment and 11% antibiotics. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most commonly isolated organisms. Over half of the patients were completely symptom free after two courses of antibiotics. Only 13% of patients required > or =6 courses of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: PBB is often misdiagnosed as asthma, although the two conditions may coexist. In addition to eliminating a persistent cough, treatment may also prevent progression to bronchiectasis. Further research relating to both diagnosis and treatment is urgently required.
BACKGROUND: Persistent bacterial bronchitis (PBB) seems to be under-recognised and often misdiagnosed as asthma. In the absence of published data relating to the management and outcomes in this patient group, a review of the outcomes of patients with PBB attending a paediatric respiratory clinic was undertaken. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 81 patients in whom a diagnosis of PBB had been made. Diagnosis was based on the standard criterion of a persistent, wet cough for >1 month that resolves with appropriate antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: The most common reason for referral was a persistent cough or difficult asthma. In most of the patients, symptoms started before the age of 2 years, and had been present for >1 year in 59% of patients. At referral, 59% of patients were receiving asthma treatment and 11% antibiotics. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most commonly isolated organisms. Over half of the patients were completely symptom free after two courses of antibiotics. Only 13% of patients required > or =6 courses of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: PBB is often misdiagnosed as asthma, although the two conditions may coexist. In addition to eliminating a persistent cough, treatment may also prevent progression to bronchiectasis. Further research relating to both diagnosis and treatment is urgently required.
Authors: Julie M Marchant; I Brent Masters; Simone M Taylor; Nancy C Cox; Greg J Seymour; Anne B Chang Journal: Chest Date: 2006-05 Impact factor: 9.410
Authors: A B Chang; C F Robertson; P P van Asperen; N J Glasgow; I B Masters; C M Mellis; L I Landau; L Teoh; P S Morris Journal: Trials Date: 2010-11-06 Impact factor: 2.279
Authors: Markus Hilty; Conor Burke; Helder Pedro; Paul Cardenas; Andy Bush; Cara Bossley; Jane Davies; Aaron Ervine; Len Poulter; Lior Pachter; Miriam F Moffatt; William O C Cookson Journal: PLoS One Date: 2010-01-05 Impact factor: 3.240