Objective:

To explore the clinical features and predictive factors of plastic bronchitis (PB) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and pulmonary consolidation.

Key Findings:

• PB group had higher rates of respiratory distress, longer hospital stays, and longer fever durations.
• Elevated levels of neutrophil percentage, CRP, PCT, IL-6, LDH, SF, D-dimer, and ALT were observed in the PB group.
• Fever duration (OR 6.777), D-dimer (OR 1.020), and LDH (OR 1.643) were identified as significant predictors of PB.

Interpretation:

Fever duration ≥7.5 days, D-dimer >0.94 μg/mL, and LDH >400.5 U/L are independently associated with PB in MPP children, indicating a link between hypercoagulability, excessive inflammation, and PB.

Limitations:

• Study conducted in a single center may limit generalizability.
• Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of early anti-inflammatory therapy or bronchoscopic intervention.

Conclusion:

Identifying these predictive factors can aid in early diagnosis and management of PB in pediatric patients with MPP.