Clinical and epidemiological characterization of pediatric patients undergoing bronchoscopy at the Institute of Respiratory and Environmental Diseases (INERAM) period 2014-2021

Abstract

Introduction: The study of bronchoscopy in pediatric patients is one of the most important for the diagnosis and treatment of cases where the respiratory system is affected by some pathology or obstruction. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric cases that underwent bronchoscopy at the National Institute of Respiratory and Environmental Diseases (INERAM) during the period 2014 - 2021. Materials and Method: observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, where evaluated demographic and clinical variables, which included hospital records on the type of bronchoscopy used and its diagnosis in pediatric patients of both sexes and from various regions of the country. Results: 276 records of pediatric patients who attended INERAM and underwent bronchoscopy between 2014 and 2021 were included in the research, finding a higher prevalence of males (58%) and between 0-5 years (57%). 55% of the bronchoscopies performed in the period were for therapeutic purposes, with the use of general anesthesia. The presence of a foreign body (55%) was the most frequent pathological finding. Conclusion: Bronchoscopy for therapeutic purposes was the most required in pediatric cases up to 5 years of life, due to the presence of a foreign body.