Esin Gizem OLGUN, Gizem ÖZCAN, Fazılcan ZİREK, Merve Nur TEKİN, Secahattin BAYAV, Mahmut TURĞUT, Mukaddes AĞIRTICI, Semra Küçük ÖZTÜRK, Seyhan Çelik MERTEŞE, Nazan ÇOBANOĞLU
Thoracic Research and Practice - 2026;27(2):96-102
OBJECTIVE: Non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease, primarily characterised by neutrophilic inflammation, with Haemophilus influenzae (HI) frequently isolated from respiratory cultures. Recent adult studies have suggested a potential role for eosinophils in the frequency of pulmonary exacerbations and in lung function decline. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships among peripheral eosinophilia, lower respiratory tract pathogens, age at first pneumonia, and malnutrition in children with non-CF bronchiectasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, children who were diagnosed with non-CF bronchiectasis were grouped based on nutritional status, eosinophilia, age at first pneumonia, and the most frequently isolated microorganisms. Clinical outcomes were compared across groups. RESULTS: Among 106 patients (61.3% male), malnutrition was present in 48.1% and eosinophilia in 39.6%. Primary immunodeficiency was the most common etiology (39.6%). HI and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) were isolated in 61.3% and 24.5% of respiratory cultures, respectively. Patients with malnutrition had significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity (FVC) values (P = 0.023 and P = 0.005, respectively). Eosinophilia was more prevalent in patients with PA isolation; was associated with younger ages at first pneumonia and bronchiectasis diagnoses (P = 0.009 and P = 0.017). PA isolation was associated with a higher frequency of aspiration syndromes (P < 0.001) and lower FVC values (P = 0.040). Patients who experienced their first episode of pneumonia before the age of two had more frequent exacerbations and were diagnosed with bronchiectasis at an earlier age. CONCLUSION: Non-CF bronchiectasis in childhood may be preventable and/or non-progressive when diagnosed early. Clinical features such as malnutrition, eosinophilia, PA isolation, and early-onset pneumonia may help identify children who could benefit from closer clinical monitoring. Further pediatric studies are needed to validate these associations.
