Abstract

Bronchiolitis obliterans in children is an infrequent clinical syndrome, characterized by chronic airflow obstruction associated to inflammatory changes and different degrees of fibrosis in the small airways. Etiologies are varied but the most frequent one is the association with viral infections, mainly adenovirus. There is no consensus regarding diagnostic criteria, but a spectrum of persistent symptoms together with a mosaic pattern, bronchiectasis and persistent atelectasis is considered useful. Pulmonary biopsy has been questioned because of its low yield, invasiveness and complications. No specific treatment is available, therefore its treatment is supportive. Probably the best strategy is the aggressive use of antibiotics, constant kinesic and nutritional support and early pulmonary rehabilitation. This clinical guide represents a multidisciplinary effort, based on current evidence, to provide practical tools for the diagnosis and care of children and adolescents affected by post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans.