Major haemoptysis in children with cystic fibrosis: A 20-year retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Major haemoptysis occurs in approximately 1% of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This report describes management and follow-up of these children at a tertiary centre in Australia. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records from 1980-1999. Results: Fifty-one children (45% female) had major haemoptysis (102 episodes). Mean age at first episode was 15 years (range 7-19) and mean FEV1 was 56% predicted (range 14-98). Massive life-threatening haemoptysis was not confined to those with severe lung disease (FEV1<50% predicted). Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) was more likely to be the initial treatment for those with massive haemoptysis and chronic recurrent bleeding tende..