Objective: To evaluate the role of the oxidant and antioxidant balance in the pathogenesis and prognosis of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (non-CF BE) in children.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine children with non-CF BE were enrolled between June 2009 and October 2010. Thirty healthy children were enrolled as controls. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) serum levels were measured in controls and in patients when stable and at acute exacerbation.

Results: PON1 and TAS levels were lower in patients at acute exacerbation than in controls (P= 0.05 and P= 0.01, respectively). TOS levels indicative of oxidative stress were higher, and TAS/ TOS levels were lower, in immune-deficient patients than control group (P= 0.008 and P= 0.01, respectively). TAS levels and PON1/ TOS ratio were significantly lower in patients with moderate–severe bronchiectasis than in patients with mild bronchiectasis (P= 0.043 and P= 0.03, respectively).

Conclusion: Oxidative stress was increased and antioxidant capacity decreased in patients with non-CF BE during the exacerbation period. Antioxidant treatment in patients with non-CF BE, especially in patients with immunodeficiency and/or with moderate–severe bronchiectasis, could be helpful to reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks by reducing oxidative stress-induced damage, ultimately contributing to a better prognosis.