3.1 Characteristics of patients diagnosed with GMPP and SMPP
A total 20 patients (from 4-years-5-months to 13-years-2-months) were enrolled in the label-free proteomic technology study. All the patients involved in the ELISA study were treated with azithromycin, corticosteroids, and bronchoscopy lavage therapy and followed up for at least 3 months. Table 1 shows the detailed clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in ELISA test (Table S1). Mean CRP level was 27 mg/L, and 94 mg/L in GMPP and SMPP patients at admission, respectively. Chest imaging showed consolidation with high density > 1/2 pulmonary lobe in all GMPP patients and >2/3 lobe in all SMPP patients. At the early stage of disease, 2 patients (28.6%) in GMPP group and 14 patients (87.5%) in SMPP group showed mucus plug/thick mucus secretion in bronchoscopy, respectively; and 9 (56.2%) SMPP patients appeared airway mucous necrosis. At the late stage, bronchoscopy revealed airway deformation due to airway remodeling in 12 SMPP patients (1 airway stenosis and 11 BO). No sequelae were observed in GMPP group. A significant statistical difference was observed in airway damage between the two groups (P<0.05).