Clinical Characteristics and Contributing Factors of Plastic Bronchitis in Pediatric Patients

Overview

This study identifies significant clinical features and predictive factors for plastic bronchitis (PB) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and pulmonary consolidation. Key predictors include fever duration, D-dimer, and LDH levels, which may guide clinical decision-making.

Background

Plastic bronchitis is a serious condition characterized by the formation of bronchial casts that can lead to airway obstruction and respiratory failure, particularly in pediatric patients. Understanding the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with PB in children with MPP is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that links hypercoagulability and inflammation to the development of PB.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Fever duration ≥7.5 days is a significant predictor of PB (OR 6.777).
• D-dimer levels >0.94 μg/mL are associated with PB (OR 1.020).
• LDH levels >400.5 U/L are predictive of PB (OR 1.643).
• Patients with PB experienced longer hospital stays and higher rates of respiratory distress.
• Bootstrap validation of the predictive model showed good stability (corrected AUC 0.971).

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should monitor fever duration, D-dimer, and LDH levels in pediatric patients with MPP and pulmonary consolidation to identify those at risk for developing PB. Early intervention, including bronchoscopy and anti-inflammatory therapies, may improve clinical outcomes in these patients.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of specific clinical parameters in predicting plastic bronchitis in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Further research is warranted to explore effective treatment strategies.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- A literature review: progress in the study of plastic bronchitis
2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Plastic bronchitis: a narrative review of the classification methods and pathogenesis
3. Infection, 2025 -- A Two-Decade Clinical Overview of Paediatric Parapneumonic Effusion
4. BMC Pediatrics, 2025 -- Pulmonary lesion volume ratio and laboratory parameters as risk factors for plastic bronchitis in pediatric refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
5. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Machine learning-based identification of inflammatory biomarkers for predicting pulmonary consolidation in children with Chlamydia pneumoniae infection
6. Red Book: 2024–2027 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases
7. Frontiers | A literature review: progress in the study of plastic bronchitis
8. Pulmonary lesion volume ratio and laboratory parameters as risk factors for plastic bronchitis in pediatric refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia | BMC Pediatrics | Springer Nature Link