Peculiarities of hemodynamic and microcirculation in children with recurrent bronchitis

Background. Recurrent bronchitis in children is associated with respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function, which may influence overall health. Hemodynamic instability commonly observed in children with recurrent bronchitis. Cardiac output, blood pressure and heart rate are the principal hemodynamic parameters which could be affected. Bronchitis episodes often cause increased heart rates due to the body's attempt to compensate for the reduced oxygenation, leading to an elevated cardiac workload and potentially heart failure in severe cases. Although the relationship between recurrent bronchitis and cardiovascular health has been studied in adults, but limited research exists on this topic in the pediatric population. Purpose – to investigate the peculiarities of blood pressure and microcirculation in children with recurrent bronchitis. Materials and Methods. A total of 60 children aged 7 to 12 years were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: a main group of 30 children with recurrent bronchitis and control group of 30 healthy children. Inclusion criteria for the main group were a confirmed diagnosis of recurrent bronchitis for at least three times in two consecutive years. The cardiorespiratory parameters assessed included blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. Nail bed capillary state was also evaluated to assess microcirculation. Monitoring of arterial pressure was performed using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device (ABPM). Results. Children with recurrent bronchitis exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the main group demonstrated significantly higher daytime and nighttime blood pressure and increased blood pressure variability compared to the control group. Microcirculation disorders were observed in the majority of children in the main group. The main abnormalities of microcirculation were increased capillary tortuosity, decreased linear density and the presence of a sludge phenomenon. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that recurrent bronchitis in children is associated with cardiovascular health impairment and microcirculation disorders. Early detection and monitoring of these parameters may help mitigate the long-term consequences on cardiovascular health in children with recurrent bronchitis.