A causal forest model integrating quantitative CT scores to predict benefit from flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: a two-center retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is recommended for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with persistent consolidation or atelectasis, though substantial heterogeneity in treatment effects exists. This study aimed to develop a causal forest-based predictive model to identify pediatric MPP patients most likely to benefit from FB.

Methods

This retrospective two-center study enrolled pediatric MPP patients in derivation (n = 753) and validation (n = 139) cohorts. Clinical, laboratory, and AI-quantified computed tomography (CT) data were analyzed. Individual treatment effects (ITEs) were estimated using causal forest algorithms. FB-beneficial subgroups were defined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of ITEs, with the varying treatment effect a

SUBMITTER: Ying Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12821180 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature