6 things we don’t know about childhood bronchiectasis

Infections

By Nicola Garrett

12 Sep 2017

There are major gaps in what we know about non-CF bronchiectasis in children, a session at ERS 2017 has revealed.

Speaking to delegates about the recently published ERS statement on protracted bacterial bronchitis in children, Professor Mark Everard from the University of Western Australia said the statement was largely based on expert opinion because there was a glaring lack of research into the area.

He said this meant optimal strategies for its prevention and treatment were unclear. Yet a need to address these gaps in knowledge were pressing because the disease was becoming more common.

He suggested that researchers could use the research priorities below when applying for grants.

The 6 gaps in knowledge that need addressing

  1. What is the prevalence in different communities across the world?
  2. Is it possible to study the natural history? (longitudinal cohorts vs cross sectional?)
  3. What guidance can be given in those in primary care in order to prevent the development of the condition?
  4. Development of biomarkers for early and accurate diagnosis (e.g differentiating biofilm driven symptoms from recurrent viral infections or asthma)
  5. What antibiotic regimen (s) is optimal for the initial treatment of patients with a presumptive diagnosis? (type of antibiotics, duration etc)
  6. Are there effective non-antibiotic approaches to prevention and treatment?

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