Clinical Research Directory

Flexible Bronchoscopy in Resistant Pneumonia in PICU

Pneumonia is one of the most common and serious infections in children, especially those admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). Some children do not improve after at least five days of appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. This condition is known as resistant or non-resolving pneumonia. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) is a procedure that allows doctors to directly examine the airways and collect samples from the lungs for laboratory testing. This study aims to evaluate the role and usefulness of flexible bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in identifying the causes of resistant pneumonia in critically ill children. The study will include children admitted to the PICU at Abu El-Reesh Children's Hospital, Cairo University, who show no clinical or radiological improvement after five days of first-line antibiotic therapy. The results of this study may help improve diagnosis, guide targeted treatment, and enhance outcomes in children with resistant pneumonia.