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Lung function and bronchial responsiveness after Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in early childhood
Author(s) -
Kjaer Birgitte B.,
Jensen Jørgen S.,
Nielsen Kim G.,
Fomsgaard Anders,
Böttiger Blenda,
Dohn Birthe,
Bisgaard Hans
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.20813
Subject(s) - medicine , mycoplasma pneumoniae , bronchial hyperresponsiveness , exacerbation , hyperventilation , respiratory tract infections , asthma , immunology , respiratory system , pulmonary function testing , mycoplasmataceae , lung , gastroenterology , respiratory disease , mycoplasma , pneumonia , mollicutes , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Mycoplasma (M.) pneumoniae has been associated with exacerbation of symptoms in asthmatic school children and adults; and an etiological role in asthma has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether infection with M. pneumoniae in early childhood has a long‐term influence on lung function and bronchial responsiveness. In a retrospective, clinical cohort‐study children younger than 5 years‐of‐age when PCR‐tested for M. pneumoniae were enrolled. Sixty‐five children with clinical symptoms suggesting infection with M. pneumoniae during an epidemic season completed a clinical follow‐up examination including lung function testing (28 PCR‐positive and 37 PCR‐negative). In addition to the PCR‐test for M. pneumoniae all respiratory tract specimens were additionally tested for other atypical bacteria and for viruses by PCR. Lung function was measured as specific airway resistance by whole‐body plethysmography and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was assessed by cold, dry air hyperventilation. Neither baseline lung function nor bronchial response to cold dry air hyperventilation differed between M. pneumoniae ‐positive and ‐negative children: mean baseline lung function were 1.17 versus 1.21 (kPa sec), P = 0.45; and mean change in specific resistance was 13% versus 9%, P = 0.42. In conclusion, M. pneumoniae infection in early childhood was not associated with long‐term effects on lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness 2 years after infection. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:567–575. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.