Mycoplasma pneumoniae: acute illness, antibiotics, and subsequent pulmonary function. Issue 11 (November 1984)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sabato, A R; Martin, A J; Marmion, B P; Kok, T W; Cooper, D M
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 59:Issue 11(1984)
• Page Start: 1034
• Page End: 1037
• Publication Date: 1984-11
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.59.11.1034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : One hundred and eight children presenting with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were assessed during the acute illness and followed for three years. The incidence of wheezing with the acute infection (40%) was greater than expected in a normal childhood population. The initial illness precipitated wheezing for the first time in some subjects but others wheezed only with the acute illness. In non-asthmatic subjects significant bronchodilator responsiveness was present one month after infection. Children given erythromycin during the first seven days of their illness had a significantly shorter fever duration compared with those treated inappropriately. No significant effects of treatment were noted on pulmonary function three years later but non-asthmatic children had abnormal mean forced expiratory volume in one second and forced expiratory flow after 50% of the expired vital capacity compared with 64 healthy controls. These findings indicate impaired function three years after initial infection.