not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which is one of the respiratory complications of cystic fibrosis, is a hypersensitivity reaction in the lung against the antigens of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus ( A.fumigatus). If left untreated, it may cause irreversible deteriorations in lung functions. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of ABPA, according to years and to determine the risk factors leading to the development of ABPA by using the CF Registry System of Turkey data. Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study. Using the CF Registry System of Turkey data, the incidence of ABPA was determined and the data of 44 patients newly diagnosed with ABPA in 2022 and 132 patients with similar mutation weight and age range without ABPA diagnosis in that year were compared, and the risk factors affecting the development of ABPA were determined. Results: Low pulmonary function test values, having had at least one pulmonary exacerbation in that year and receiving intravenous antibiotic treatment, using inhaled antibiotics, having a high number of pulmonary exacerbations, having Pseudomonas aeroginosa (P.aeroginosa) colonization, having a low body mass index (BMI) and having cystic fibrosis related diabetes mellitus (CFRD) were found to be among the risk factors for the development of ABPA. Conclusions: Early recognition and treatment of ABPA is essential to prevent further damage to the lungs. Patients with frequent pulmonary exacerbations, low BMI and low pulmonary function test values, chronic colonization should definitely be considered for ABPA.

The management of respiratory problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV) is a complex and challenging task. In recent years, with appropriate family education, these patients have been able to be discharged from the hospital and continue their treatment at home. The population of pediatric patients dependent on HIMV has been increasing worldwide, presenting unique and varying care needs. Management of these patients involves addressing ventilator settings, monitoring respiratory status, ensuring airway safety, and providing continuous support and education to patients and their caregivers. Despite the completion of home settings and family education, children on HIMV may encounter various respiratory problems during home follow-up. Prevention and timely management of these complications are crucial to improving patient outcomes. This article summarizes the most significant respiratory problems in children on HIMV and the management strategies for each problem are discussed, emphasizing the importance of appropriate aspiration techniques, regular monitoring, adequate training of caregivers, and a well-prepared emergency plan.

Background: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and sleep associated problems can lead to serious health problems in children. We aimed to evaluate association between ETS and sleep disturbance in children. Methods: We enrolled 209 children without chronic health problems or acute infections aged 4 to 12 years between June 2019 and March 2020 to this cross-sectional study. Parents’ smoking habits and ETS exposure of children were questioned and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was administered to screen for the most common sleep problems in children. “Sleep disturbance” was defined as a score ≥41 in CSHQ. Plasma cotinine levels were measured in all subjects enrolled and levels ≥ 3 ng/mL were defined as ETS exposure. Results: Total 115 children (55 %) were in the “sleep disturbance” group according to CSHQ, and 66 (57.3%) of them were exposed to ETS according to parental report. The children with parent reported ETS exposure had increased risk of sleep disturbance (adjusted OR: 1.3). All 209 children had plasma cotinine levels ≥3 ng/ml, with a mean (SD) 50.55 (13.78) ng/ml, revealing that all of them were exposed to ETS although only 105 of them were parent reported. Multivariable analysis of risk factors for sleep disturbance revealed that parent reported ETS exposure was associated with increased risks of sleep disturbance (p=0.023, adjusted OR: 1.9 and 95%CI: 1.09-3.3) Conclusions: Parent reported ETS exposure is associated with sleep disturbance in their children however parental reports about smoking habits may not be compatible with plasma cotinine levels of the children.

Background: Airway malacia is a condition of excessive airway collapsibility, which causes expiratory reduction in the cross-sectional luminal area during respiration. As this disorder may lead to life threatening events and even death in children, it is important to recognise and treat it. Aims: In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinical and radiological features, prognoses, and associated disorders of the patients with lower airway malacia. Methods: A total of 65 patients with lower airway malacia diagnosed by flexible bronchoscopy were included in this study. Demographic and clinical features, radiological findings, video image records of bronchoscopy and prognoses of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Lower airway malacia was diagnosed in 65 (16.6%) children with a median age of 1 year and 2 months (range: 1 month-16 years and 8 months). Thirty-five (53.8%) of them were male. The numbers of children with isolated tracheomalacia, isolated bronchomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia were nine (13.8%), 48 (73.8%) and eight (12.3%), respectively. The most common reason for admission was recurrent and/or prolonged respiratory infection (46.2%) and the most common physical examination finding was stridor (36.9%). Fifty-eight (89.2%) patients had other co-morbidities associated with airway malacia. Inhaled ipratropium bromide therapy was started for 37 (56.9%) patients. Ten (15.4%) patients required continuous positive pressure support.. Conclusion: Lower airway malacia is an important disorder in children with respiratory problems and flexible bronchoscopy is a valuable diagnostic method. Sharing experiences in terms of diagnosis and treatment modalities would help patients as well as clinicians.