Risk Factors for the Development of Post-Infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO), one of the major complications of respiratory tract infection, is commonly underdiagnosed. To identify the risk groups that may develop PIBO and avoid misdiagnoses, we investigated the risk factors associated with the development of PIBO. We searched PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases for studies that included risk factors for the development of PIBO published from inception to 13 June 2022. We limited our search to studies that reported the estimates of odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR), or relative risks for developing PIBO. A fixed-effect and a random-effect model were used. We included seven studies reporting data on the risk factors for PIBO in 344 children with PIBO and 1310 control children. Twenty-two variables, including sex, age, respiratory pathogens, symptoms, laboratory and radiologic findings, and mechanical ventilation, were mentioned in at least one study. The significant risk factors mentioned in two or more studies included elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, pleural effusion, hypoxemia, sex, and mechanical ventilation. The significance of the duration of hospitalization and fever as risk factors for PIBO differed when the studies were classified according to the statistical method. In addition, the risk factors differed according to respiratory infection pathogens. This meta-analysis identified potential risk factors associated with the development of PIBO. The results of this study highlight the importance of avoiding misdiagnosis and help establish management strategies for patients at a high risk of developing PIBO.