Concerns over mystic disease found in Guangzhou
(China Daily HK Edition)
Updated: 2005-03-31 15:25

A mysterious and deadly respiratory tract disease has recently been diagnosed among child patients at a Guangzhou hospital, raising concerns of Hong Kong citizens.

Paediatrics experts said the unusual disease, named as "plastic bronchitis", could choke patients to death, but it is not infectious. Major symptoms include coughing and breathing difficulty.

Since 2002, 10 youngsters have been diagnosed with the disease at the Guangzhou Children's Hospital and two have died. The latest case was reported on Sunday, Zeng Qiyi, director of the hospital, told China Daily yesterday.

It is also the second so far this year.

Huang Sui, a spokesman with Guangzhou's Bureau of Health, said there might be similar cases in other parts of the country.

Hong Kong's Department of Health said yesterday it was still seeking information from their Guangzhou counterparts. A departmental spokesman said health officials have yet to fully grasp information about the disease as the mainland health departments need more time to look into it.

In the latest case, a 22-month-old boy was sent to hospital on March 27 after suffering breathing difficulties. Surgery on the boy's bronchi saved his life. Zeng believed the boy did not contract the disease from a viral infection. "We don't know exactly what is the cause," he said.

"Plastic bronchitis" was first recorded in Europe in the 19th century. Surgery is the only way to treat the ailment.

The disease is mostly contracted by children aged less than 10 while they are suffering from cardiovascular system diseases.

Yesterday, Ellis Hon, associate professor in paediatrics at the Chinese University, said "plastic bronchitis" is characterized by marked obstruction of the large airways by bronchial casts.

Hon said the disorder is usually associated with congenital or chronic pulmonary diseases like bronchial asthma and cystic fibrosis as well as other congenital heart defects. "Children suffering from congenital and chronic cardiac and pulmonary illnesses are prone to the plastic bronchitis."

Kenneth Tsang, professor of respiratory and critical care medicine at the University of Hong Kong, said some "plastic bronchitis" cases had occurred in Hong Kong. He said they are most common among children, but adolescents can also be affected.

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