Protocol incorporating airway CT decreases negative bronchoscopy rates for suspected foreign bodies in pediatric patients

Background: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is the 4th leading cause of death in children between the ages 1-5. Although direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (DL&B) is the reference standard for diagnosis of pediatric airway foreign bodies, there is a high negative bronchoscopy rate, exposing patients to unnecessary operative and anesthetic risks and costs.Methods: A clinical care protocol entailing the selective use of low-dose non-contrast airway computed tomography (CT) for children with an intermediate risk for FBA on the basis of clinical exam and chest radiography was implemented to decrease the negative DL&B rate.
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Source Type: research