Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disease that causes abnormalities 
in ciliary structure and/or function. Ciliated cells line the upper and lower 
respiratory tracts and the Eustachian tube. Impairment of mucus clearance at 
these sites leads to sinusitis, repeated pulmonary infections, bronchiectasis, 
and chronic otitis media. Situs inversus occurs randomly in approximately 50% of 
subjects with PCD. The triad of situs inversus, bronchiectasis and sinusitis is 
known as Kartagener syndrome. PCD is usually an autosomal recessive disease, but 
occasional instances of X-linked transmission have been reported. Specific 
diagnosis requires examination of ciliary function or structure on light and 
electron microscopy. Early diagnosis and respiratory management are important in 
order to prevent the development of bronchiectasis and deterioration in lung 
function. We report early diagnosis of PCD on nasal mucosal biopsy in two 
newborns who presented with prolonged respiratory distress and rhinorrhea.