[Bronchial secretion and bronchial mucosa in children with mucoviscidosis: results of comparative bronchoscopic, biochemical, bacteriologic, light and electron microscopic studies].

: Twenty two patients with cystic fibrosis, 7 to 17 years of age, underwent each two bronchoscopic investigations, the second six months later than the first, in general anaesthesia with muscle relaxation using a ventilation bronchoscope and taking small biopsies of the mucous membrane. The degree of reddening, swelling of the mucous membranes and hypersecretion was in some agreement with the intensity of the cellular infiltration and the production of pus (microscopic investigation). Secondary ultrastructural changes were detected in nearly all children: e.g. cellular oedema, protrusion of cells and fusion of cilia, microtubular abnormalities of the cilia, lesions of the apical cell membranes and increased number of goblet cells. These changes of ultrastructure were not correlated to the mentioned signs of inflammation.