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Eur J Pediatr Surg 2013; 23(02): 157-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1315803
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Treatment of Plastic Bronchitis Using Serial Flexible Bronchoscopy and Aerosolized Heparin Therapy

Peter A. Walker
1   Department of Surgery and Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
,
Shinil K. Shah
1   Department of Surgery and Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
2   Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Science and Biomedical Devices, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
Philip A. Letourneau
1   Department of Surgery and Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
,
Nathan D. Allison
1   Department of Surgery and Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
,
Charles S. Cox
1   Department of Surgery and Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
2   Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Science and Biomedical Devices, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

11 December 2011

21 April 2012

Publication Date:
10 July 2012 (online)

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Conclusion

Plastic bronchitis is a rare condition that can be associated with significant morbidity if treatment is delayed. While several cases of successful treatment using combinations of suction, lavage, and fibrinolytics have been reported, there is no consensus describing the most effective treatment modality. We believe that repeated flexible bronchoscopy with aerosolized heparin therapy offers a novel potential therapy for the treatment of plastic bronchitis.

 

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