Flexible bronchoscopy in newborns <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To describe the cases of flexible bronchoscopy performed in newborns with upper airway obstruction in a neonatal intensive care unit, discussing the indications, main findings and complications of this procedure. Methods: Retrospective study of flexible bronchoscopy performed in patients younger than 30 days with upper airway obstruction, between April of 1998 and December of 2005. Characteristics of the patients, indications, complications and results of the procedure were recorded and described. Results: Twenty-nine flexible bronchoscopy were performed in newborn infants, in whom there was a male predominance (2:1). The main indication was congenital stridor (12 patients), and laryngomalacia was the most prevalent finding (14 patients, 48.2% of the cases). Pharyngomalacia was diagnosed in five patients (17.2%) and was associated with subglottic stenosis in other two cases. There was no significant complication from the procedure. Conclusions: Dynamic airway abnormalities were the most prevalent finding in newborn infants with upper airway obstruction. Such findings are prevalent in this group of patients and should always be included in the differential diagnosis. The use of flexible bronchoscopy in neonates must be encouraged since it has low risk of complications, may exclude more severe airway diseases, and may help to establish further treatments. KEY WORDS: BRONCHOSCOPY; AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION/ diagnosis; INFANT, NEWBORN.