BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL REMODELING IN CHILDREN WITH BRONCHIECTASIS: MORPHOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL FINDINGS

Abstract

Bronchiectasis in children is accompanied by persistent inflammation and structural remodeling of the bronchial wall. Epithelial injury and impaired differentiation of bronchial epithelial cells may contribute to the progression of chronic respiratory changes. Bronchiectasis in children is characterized by pronounced remodeling of the bronchial epithelium, including epithelial desquamation, loss of ciliated cells, basal-cell hyperplasia, and pathological regeneration. The CK5/6↑/CK8/18↓ pattern reflects impaired epithelial maturation and formation of a functionally incomplete epithelial layer.