Question 9: What is the role for bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage in Cystic Fibrosis?

For the last twenty-five years there has been an increasing emphasis on the early detection of airway infection and inflammation, mitigation with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory therapies and prevention or slowing of the progression of bronchiectasis in cystic fibrosis. There is clear evidence that the acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in sputum is a key adverse prognostic factor in the development of bronchiectasis and thereby in life expectancy [1–3]. Thus, the earlier detection and treatment of such airway pathogens in children who are unable to provide adequate sputum samples through the use of bronchoscopy is an attractive tool in the attempt to slow the evolution of bronchiectasis.
Source: Paediatric Respiratory Reviews - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Cystic Fibrosis: Frequently Asked Questions Source Type: research