Procalcitonin as a Marker of Severity of Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in Children

• The severity of bronchiectasis will be assessed using forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), and bronchiectasis severity scores which included bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) , FEV1, chronic colonization, extension of lobes and dyspnea which were performed to assess non-CF bronchiectasis patients.

BSI score

• This score incorporates 9 variables. The total score is calculated by summing the scores for each variable and can range from 0 to 26 points. According to the overall score, patients are classified into three classes: patients with low BSI score (0---4 points), intermediate BSI score (5---8 points), high BSI score (≥9 points)
• chest X ray and HRCT of the chest: to assess the radiological severity of bronchiectasis using the radiological findings will be measured by assessing the most recent chest X ray and HRCT of the chest performed in the last six months using Bhalla score(10)
• Culture and sensitivity from bronchoalveolar lavage for isolation of pseudomonas aeruginosa and any other organism.
• Sputum procalcitonin level was measured in BAL samples using bronchoscopy.
• Bronchoscopy: would be undertaken when the children were in a stable clinical condition as part of their annual review

Inclusion criteria

• Children of both sex
• Children aged from 6-17 years old.
• Documented diagnosis of non-CF bronchiectasis by confirmed bronchiectasis findings using high-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) lung scanning, and clinical symptoms consistent with bronchiectasis with a negative sweat test

Exclusion criteria

• Age less than 6 years or more than 17 years.
• Children Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis with confirmed positive sweat chloride test(6).
• If there was a history of a recent exacerbation during the previous month preceding the study.