Bronchiectasis: an orphan disease with a poorly-understood prognosis

Association between preserved ratio impaired spirometry and 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with bronchiectasis patients: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm) (defined as the ratio of forced expired volume in the first second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) greater than 0·70 with a FEV1 of less than 80% predicted) is associated with a higher risk of hospitalizations and mortality in the general population. However, less is known about whether PRISm is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with bronchiectasis. We aimed to investigate whether PRISm is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in bronchiectasis patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study with inpatients admitted with acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis between January 2017 and January 2022. Clinical data including anthropometry, spirometry, laboratory, etiological and radiologic variables were collected. Patients were divided into the normal spirometry group, the PRISm group and the obstructive spirometry group. All patients were followed up for 1 year. The primary outcome was readmission of bronchiectasis at 1 year.

RESULTS

Of 487 bronchiectasis patients, we found 142 (29.2%) had normal spirometry, 67 (13.8%) had PRISm and 278 (57.1%) had obstructive spirometry. Patients with obstructive spirometry were more likely to be male and to smoke, had higher fibrinogen values and more lobes affected. Patients with PRISm (HR 1.929, 95% CI 1.049 to 3.546) and obstructive spirometry (HR 2.406, 95%CI 1.506 to 3.845) had a higher risk of readmissions compared with those with normal spirometry after adjustment for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

PRISm was associated with significant increased risk for readmissions in patients with bronchiectasis compared with normal spirometry, which should receive special attention.

Automated method of bronchus and artery dimension measurement in an adult bronchiectasis population

Aim

Bronchiectasis (BE) is a disease defined by irreversible dilatation of the airway. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the detection and quantification of BE. The aim of this study was three-fold: 1) to assess bronchus-artery (BA) dimensions using fully automated software in a cohort of BE disease patients; 2) to compare BA dimensions with semi-quantitative BEST-CT (Bronchiectasis Scoring Technique for CT) scores for BE and bronchial wall thickening; and 3) to explore the structure-function relationship between BA-method lumen dimensions and spirometry outcomes.

Methods

Baseline CTs of BE patients who participated in a clinical trial were collected retrospectively. CTs were analysed manually with the BEST-CT scoring system and automatically using LungQ (v.2.1.0.1, Thirona, The Netherlands), which measures the following BA dimensions: diameters of bronchial outer wall (Bout), bronchial inner wall (Bin) and artery (A), and bronchial wall thickness (Bwt) and computes BA ratios (Bout/A and Bin/A) to assess bronchial widening. To assess bronchial wall thickness, we used the Bwt/A ratio and the ratio between the bronchus wall area (Bwa) and the area defined by the outer airway (Boa) (Bwa/Boa).

Results

In total, 65 patients and 16 900 BA pairs were analysed by the automated BA method. The median (range) percentage of BA pairs defined as widened was 69 (55-84)% per CT using a cut-off value of 1.5 for Bout/A, and 53 (42-65)% of bronchial wall were thickened using a cut-off value of 0.14 for Bwt/A. BA dimensions were correlated with comparable outcomes for the BEST-CT scoring method with a correlation coefficient varying between 0.21 to 0.51. The major CT BA determinants of airflow obstruction were bronchial wall thickness (p=0.001) and a narrower bronchial inner diameter (p=0.003).

Conclusion

The automated BA method, which is an accurate and sensitive tool, demonstrates a stronger correlation between visual and automated assessment and lung function when using a higher cut-off value to define bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis management in adults: state of the art and future directions

Formerly regarded as a rare disease, bronchiectasis is increasingly recognised. A renewed interest in this disease has led to significant progress in bronchiectasis research. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the benefits of airway clearance techniques, inhaled antibiotics and long-term macrolide therapy in bronchiectasis patients. However, the heterogeneity of bronchiectasis remains one of the most challenging aspects of management. Phenotypes and endotypes of bronchiectasis have been identified to help find "treatable traits" and partially overcome disease complexity. The goals of therapy for bronchiectasis are to reduce the symptom burden, improve quality of life, reduce exacerbations and prevent disease progression. We review the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments that can improve mucociliary clearance, reduce airway inflammation and tackle airway infection, the key pathophysiological features of bronchiectasis. There are also promising treatments in development for the management of bronchiectasis, including novel anti-inflammatory therapies. This review provides a critical update on the management of bronchiectasis focusing on treatable traits and recent RCTs.

Evaluation of humoral immune deficiency in Indian patients with bilateral bronchiectasis with no apparent aetiology

Background

Infections continue to be the leading aetiology of bronchiectasis in developing countries like India. Among non-infectious cases, the majority will have no identifiable cause despite extensive evaluation. Recently, immunodeficiency has been recognized as an important aetiology, but data on its prevalence remain rather sparse.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of humoral immunodeficiency in a cohort of adults with bilateral bronchiectasis with no apparent aetiology.

Methods

This is the single-site study from Christian Medical College (Vellore, India) of adults with HRCT-proven non-infectious bronchiectasis. Humoral immunity was assessed through quantitative analysis of immunoglobulins and IgG subclass levels.

Results

Among 158 cases, immunoglobulin deficiency was found in 15%. Low IgM was the most predominate finding (7%), followed by common variable immunodeficiency (3%) and low IgA (2.5%). In addition, IgG subclass deficiency was found in 5%. In 53% of cases, no specific aetiology could be identified.

Conclusion

Humoral immune deficiency is present in a significant proportion of patients with non-infectious bronchiectasis. Routine measurement of serum immunoglobulins should therefore be considered as part of the evaluation.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular-associated mortality in patients with preceding bronchiectasis exacerbation

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is associated with an increased incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCaVD) and atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease (ASCeVD). Its effect on associated mortality is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the effects of bronchiectasis exacerbation prior to ASCaVD or ASCeVD events on mortality in patients with bronchiectasis using a large population-based database.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of patients with bronchiectasis who experienced ASCaVD (n = 1066) or ASCeVD (n = 825) was studied for the first time using a nationwide population-based database (National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, Korea, 2002-2015). We classified each cohort according to the presence of moderate bronchiectasis exacerbation within 1 year before the ASCaVD or ASCeVD event. We evaluated 90-day, 1-year, and all-cause mortalities risk.

RESULTS

Within 1 year before the index ASCaVD or ASCeVD event, 149 (13.9%) and 112 (13.6%) patients with bronchiectasis experienced moderate exacerbation(s), respectively. Mild exacerbations did not different in frequency between the survivors and nonsurvivors. In both cohorts, more nonsurvivors experienced moderate exacerbations than survivors. The odds ratios of 90-day and 1-year mortalities and hazard ratios of all-cause mortalities on experiencing moderate exacerbations were 2.27 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-4.10], 3.30 (95% CI = 2.03-5.38), and 1.78 (95% CI = 1.35-2.34) in the bronchiectasis-ASCaVD cohort and 1.73 (95% CI = 0.94-3.19), 1.79 (95% CI = 1.07-3.00), and 1.47 (95% CI = 1.10-1.95), in the bronchiectasis-ASCeVD cohort.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalization or emergency room visit for bronchiectasis exacerbation within 1 year before ASCaVD or ASCeVD is associated with an increased ASCaVD- or ASCeVD-associated mortality.

Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Increases the Risk of Lung Cancer Independent of Smoking Status

Rationale

It remains unclear whether non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis increases the risk of lung cancer, because smoking history was not considered in previous studies.

Objectives

To evaluate whether participants with bronchiectasis have a higher risk of incident lung cancer than those without bronchiectasis with information on smoking status.

Methods

This was a population-based cohort study of 3,858,422 individuals who participated in the 2009 National Health Screening Program. We evaluated the incidence of lung cancer in participants with bronchiectasis (n = 65,305) and those without bronchiectasis (n = 3,793,117). We followed the cohort up until the date of lung cancer diagnosis, date of death, or December 2018. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the relative risk of lung cancer between participants with bronchiectasis and those without bronchiectasis.

Results

The incidence of lung cancer in participants with bronchiectasis was significantly higher than in those without bronchiectasis (2.1 vs. 0.7 per 1,000 person-years; P < 0.001), with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.30) in the model adjusting for potential confounders and accounting for the competing risk of mortality. Regardless of smoking status, the risk of lung cancer was significantly higher in participants with bronchiectasis than in those without bronchiectasis (aHR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.17–1.41] for never-smokers; aHR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.10–1.44] for ever-smokers). Although bronchiectasis did not increase the risk of lung cancer among participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it significantly increased the risk of lung cancer in participants without COPD (aHR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.09–1.31]).

Conclusions

The presence of bronchiectasis was associated with a higher risk of lung cancer after considering the smoking status.

Influence of Comorbidities and Airway Clearance on Mortality and Outcomes of Patients With Severe Bronchiectasis Exacerbations in Taiwan

Bronchiectasis is characterized by systemic inflammation and multiple comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes based on the bronchiectasis etiology comorbidity index (BACI) score in patients hospitalized for severe bronchiectasis exacerbations. We included non-cystic fibrosis patients hospitalized for severe bronchiectasis exacerbations between January 2008 and December 2016 from the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) cohort. The main outcome was the 1-year mortality rate after severe exacerbations. We used the Cox regression model to assess the risk factors of 1-year mortality. Of 1,235 patients who were hospitalized for severe bronchiectasis exacerbations, 641 were in the BACI < 6 group and 594 in the BACI ≥ 6 group. The BACI ≥ 6 group had more previous exacerbations and a lower FEV₁. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.1%) was the most common bacterium, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.5%). Overall, 11.8% of patients had respiratory failure and the hospital mortality was 3.0%. After discharge, compared to the BACI < 6 group, the BACI ≥ 6 group had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of respiratory failure and mortality in a 1-year follow-up. The risk factors for 1-year mortality in a multivariate analysis include age [hazard ratio (HR) 4.38, p = 0.01], being male (HR 4.38, p = 0.01), and systemic corticosteroid usage (HR 6.35, p = 0.001), while airway clearance therapy (ACT) (HR 0.50, p = 0.010) was associated with a lower mortality risk. An increased risk of respiratory failure and mortality in a 1-year follow-up after severe exacerbations was observed in bronchiectasis patients with multimorbidities, particularly older age patients, male patients, and patients with a history of systemic corticosteroid use. ACT could effectively improve the risk for 1-year mortality.

Increased mortality in patients with non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis with respiratory comorbidities

There are limited data regarding whether mortality is higher in patients with non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (bronchiectasis) than in those without bronchiectasis. Using 2005-2015 data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we evaluated hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality in the bronchiectasis cohort relative to the matched cohort. The effect of comorbidities over the study period on the relative mortality was also assessed. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in the bronchiectasis cohort than in the matched cohort (2505/100,000 vs 2142/100,000 person-years, respectively; P < 0.001). Mortality risk was 1.15-fold greater in the bronchiectasis cohort than in the matched cohort (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.22); mortality was greatest among elderly patients (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.10-1.25) and men (HR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.10-1.29). Comorbidities over the study period significantly increased the risk of death in the bronchiectasis cohort relative to the matched cohort: asthma (adjusted HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.30), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (adjusted HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.15-1.34), pneumonia (adjusted HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.39-1.63), lung cancer (adjusted HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.61-2.12), and cardiovascular disease (adjusted HR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.23-1.45). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the risk of death in patients without bronchiectasis-related comorbidities and the matched cohort, except in the case of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. In conclusion, all-cause mortality was higher in patients with bronchiectasis cohort than those without bronchiectasis, especially in elderly patients and men. Comorbidities over the study period played a major role in increasing mortality in patients with bronchiectasis relative to those without bronchiectasis.

Etiology, Clinical, Radiological, and Microbiological Profile of Patients with Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan

Objectives To identify the etiology of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB), to assess the clinical presentation, radiological findings, and microbiological profile of patients presenting with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis in a tertiary care center of Pakistan. Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study where patients with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis proven by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were evaluated for etiology, clinical characteristics, microbiology, radiology, spirometric profile, and in-hospital outcomes. Results During the study period, 196 patients were diagnosed with NCFB. The majority of the patients were men 76.5% (n = 150) and 83.6% (n = 163) of the total patients were younger than 60 years of age. The majority of these patients (58.7%, n = 111) had a duration of symptoms between 5-10 years. The etiology of bronchiectasis was identified in 92.9% of cases. Post-infectious bronchiectasis was the most common cause (67.8%, n = 133), followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (9.2%, n = 18), and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) (7.1%, n = 14). Among the post infectious causes, a history of TB was present in 85% (n = 114/133) of patients. Obstructive impairment was the most common spirometric pattern, observed in 68.9% (n = 135) of patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonly isolated organism (36.2%, n = 71). Hemoptysis was the most frequent complication found in 20.9% of patients (n = 41). Out of these 196 patients, 94.4% (n = 185) received medical management and were discharged from the hospital. Respiratory failure was significantly associated with the Pseudomonas group as compared to non-pseudomonas group [(n = 21 (29%) vs n = 18 (14.4%) p = 0.01]. During hospitalization seven patients (3.6%) were died because of respiratory failure. Conclusions Post TB bronchiectasis was the leading cause of non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis in this cohort, with Pseudomonas was the commonest pathogen isolated from the respiratory specimen, which was significantly associated with respiratory failure. On spirometry, obstructive impairment was found in the majority of patients and hemoptysis was the most frequent complication.

Mortality risk and causes of death in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

All-cause mortality risk and causes of death in bronchiectasis patients have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the mortality risk and causes of death between individuals with bronchiectasis and those without bronchiectasis.

METHODS

Patients with or without bronchiectasis determined based on chest computed tomography (CT) at one centre between 2005 and 2016 were enrolled. Among the patients without bronchiectasis, a control group was selected after applying additional exclusion criteria. We compared the mortality risk and causes of death between the bronchiectasis and control groups without lung disease. Subgroup analyses were also performed according to identification of Pseudomonas or non-tuberculous mycobacteria, airflow limitation, and smoking status.

RESULTS

Of the total 217,702 patients who underwent chest CT, 18,134 bronchiectasis patients and 90,313 non-bronchiectasis patients were included. The all-cause mortality rate in the bronchiectasis group was 1608.8 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI), 1531.5-1690.0), which was higher than that in the control group (133.5 per 100,000 person-years; 95% CI, 124.1-143.8; P < 0.001). The bronchiectasis group had higher all-cause (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09-1.47), respiratory (aHR, 3.49; 95% CI, 2.21-5.51), and lung cancer-related (aHR, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.33-5.22) mortality risks than the control group. In subgroup analysis, patients with airflow limitation and ever smokers showed higher all-cause mortality risk among bronchiectasis patients. Therefore, we observed significant interrelation between bronchiectasis and smoking, concerning the risks of all-cause mortality (P for multiplicative interaction, 0.030, RERI, 0.432; 95% CI, 0.097-0.769) and lung cancer-related mortality (RERI, 8.68; 95% CI, 1.631-15.736).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with bronchiectasis had a higher risk of all-cause, respiratory, and lung cancer-related mortality compared to control group. The risk of all-cause mortality was more prominent in those with airflow limitation and in ever smokers.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is an important clinical syndrome because of its increasing prevalence, substantial economic burden on health care, and associated morbidity. Until recently, the disease was considered an orphan and essentially neglected from a therapeutic standpoint, but many recent advances have been made in the field. Several national registries have formed to provide databases from which to study patients with bronchiectasis. Experts published a consensus definition of a bronchiectasis-specific exacerbation that will serve as a unified definition for future clinical trials. Several inhaled antibiotic trials aimed at reducing exacerbation frequency have been completed. Researchers have investigated nonculture techniques, such as 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and whole genome sequencing, to characterize the microbiological characteristics. Studies of anti-Pseudomonas antibodies are providing interesting insight into varying host responses to chronic Pseudomonas infection. After three successful trials demonstrating that macrolides reduce exacerbations in bronchiectasis, other antiinflammatory agents have been investigated, and a trial of a novel antiinflammatory drug is ongoing. A relatively robust study has been published in airway clearance, a therapy that is accepted universally as beneficial but that has never been accompanied by strong evidence. To build on the successes with bronchiectasis thus far, investigators must develop better definitions of phenotypes of bronchiectasis. In this regard, clinical tools have been developed to quantify disease severity and predict prognosis. Studies of different clinical phenotypes of bronchiectasis in patients with bronchiectasis have been published. With continued advances in the field of bronchiectasis, there is hope that evidenced-based therapies will become available.

Vitamin D3 supplementation in adults with bronchiectasis: A pilot study

Vitamin D supplementation prevents acute respiratory infections and, through modulating innate and adaptive immunity, could have a potential role in bronchiectasis management. The primary aims of this pilot study were to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in New Zealand adults with bronchiectasis, and their 25(OH)D levels after vitamin D3 supplementation. Adults with bronchiectasis received an initial 2.5 mg vitamin D3 oral loading dose and 0.625 mg vitamin D3 weekly for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was serum 25(OH)D levels before and after vitamin D3 supplementation. Secondary outcomes (time to first infective exacerbation, exacerbation frequency, spirometry, health-related quality of life measures, sputum bacteriology and cell counts and chronic rhinosinusitis) were also assessed. This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12612001222831). The initial, average 25(OH)D level was 71 nmol/L (95% confidence interval (CI): [58, 84]), rising to 218 nmol/L (95% CI: [199, 237]) at 12 weeks and 205 nmol/L (95% CI: [186, 224]) at 24 weeks. The initial serum cathelicidin level was 25 nmol/L (95% CI: [17, 33]), rising to 102 nmol/L (95% CI: [48, 156]) at 12 weeks and 151 nmol/L (95% CI: [97, 205]) at 24 weeks. Over the 24-week study period, we observed statistically significant changes of 1.11 (95% CI: [0.08, 2.14]) in the Leicester Cough Questionnaire and -1.97 (95% CI: [-3.71, -0.23]) in the Dartmouth COOP charts score. No significant adverse effects were recorded. Many New Zealand adults with bronchiectasis have adequate 25(OH)D levels. Weekly vitamin D3 supplementation significantly improved 25(OH)D levels.

Prognostic Factors in Adult Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a heterogeneous disease. There are few studies about prognostic factors in these patients. Our study aims to assess mortality rates and related factors in a cohort of patients and test the ability of the BSI and FACED scores in predicting mortality in this cohort.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort analysis of 70 patients with NCFB recruited from May 2008 to August 2010. At baseline, patients underwent clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, 6-min walk test, and quality of life assessment. Outcomes were defined as favorable (survivors) and unfavorable (survivors who underwent lung transplantation and death from all causes). Baseline records provided data for determination of BSI and FACED.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients (38.57%) died and 1 (1.43%) underwent lung transplantation. Mean time for occurrence of unfavorable outcomes was 74.67 ± 4.00 months. Main cause of death was an acute infectious exacerbation of bronchiectasis (60.7). Cox regression identified age (p = 0.035; HR 1.04; CI 1.01-1.08), FEV₁ % of predicted (p = 0.045; HR 0.97; CI 0.93-0.99), and MEP (p = 0.016; HR 0.96; CI 0.94-0.99) as independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes. FACED was better at predicting unfavorable outcomes in our cohort (log-rank test, FACED p = 0.001 and BSI p = 0.286). In ROC analysis, both scores were similar in predicting unfavorable outcomes (BSI 0.65; FACED 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, lower FEV₁ % of predicted, and lower MEP were independently linked to unfavorable outcomes. FACED and BSI were not accurate in predicting mortality in our cohort.

The overlap between bronchiectasis and chronic airway diseases: state of the art and future directions

Bronchiectasis is a clinical and radiological diagnosis associated with cough, sputum production and recurrent respiratory infections. The clinical presentation inevitably overlaps with other respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, 4-72% of patients with severe COPD are found to have radiological bronchiectasis on computed tomography, with similar frequencies (20-30%) now being reported in cohorts with severe or uncontrolled asthma. Co-diagnosis of bronchiectasis with another airway disease is associated with increased lung inflammation, frequent exacerbations, worse lung function and higher mortality. In addition, many patients with all three disorders have chronic rhinosinusitis and upper airway disease, resulting in a complex "mixed airway" phenotype.The management of asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD and upper airway diseases has traditionally been outlined in separate guidelines for each individual disorder. Recognition that the majority of patients have one or more overlapping pathologies requires that we re-evaluate how we treat airway disease. The concept of treatable traits promotes a holistic, pathophysiology-based approach to treatment rather than a syndromic approach and may be more appropriate for patients with overlapping features.Here, we review the current clinical definition, diagnosis, management and future directions for the overlap between bronchiectasis and other airway diseases.

Inhaled corticosteroids for bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is being increasingly diagnosed and recognised as an important contributor to chronic lung disease in both adults and children in high- and low-income countries. It is characterised by irreversible dilatation of airways and is generally associated with airway inflammation and chronic bacterial infection. Medical management largely aims to reduce morbidity by controlling the symptoms, reduce exacerbation frequency, improve quality of life and prevent the progression of bronchiectasis. This is an update of a review first published in 2000.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children and adults with stable state bronchiectasis, specifically to assess whether the use of ICS: (1) reduces the severity and frequency of acute respiratory exacerbations; or (2) affects long-term pulmonary function decline.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Airways Group Register of trials, MEDLINE and Embase databases. We ran the latest literature search in June 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICS with a placebo or no medication. We included children and adults with clinical or radiographic evidence of bronchiectasis, but excluded people with cystic fibrosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We reviewed search results against predetermined criteria for inclusion. In this update, two independent review authors assessed methodological quality and risk of bias in trials using established criteria and extracted data using standard pro forma. We analysed treatment as 'treatment received' and performed sensitivity analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

The review included seven studies, involving 380 adults. Of the 380 randomised participants, 348 completed the studies.Due to differences in outcomes reported among the seven studies, we could only perform limited meta-analysis for both the short-term ICS use (6 months or less) and the longer-term ICS use (> 6 months).During stable state in the short-term group (ICS for 6 months or less), based on the two studies from which data could be included, there were no significant differences from baseline values in the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) at the end of the study (mean difference (MD) -0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.26 to 0.09) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (MD 0.01 L, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.17) in adults on ICS (compared to no ICS). Similarly, we did not find any significant difference in the average exacerbation frequency (MD 0.09, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.79) or health-related quality of life (HRQoL) total scores in adults on ICS when compared with no ICS, though data available were limited. Based on a single non-placebo controlled study from which we could not extract clinical data, there was marginal, though statistically significant improvement in sputum volume and dyspnoea scores on ICS.The single study on long-term outcomes (over 6 months) that examined lung function and other clinical outcomes, showed no significant effect of ICS on any of the outcomes. We could not draw any conclusion on adverse effects due to limited available data.Despite the authors of all seven studies stating they were double-blind, we judged one study (in the short duration ICS) as having a high risk of bias based on blinding, attrition and reporting of outcomes. The GRADE quality of evidence was low for all outcomes (due to non-placebo controlled trial, indirectness and imprecision with small numbers of participants and studies).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated review indicates that there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of ICS in adults with stable state bronchiectasis. Further, we cannot draw any conclusion for the use of ICS in adults during an acute exacerbation or in children (for any state), as there were no studies.

Clinical impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. A study on 1,790 patients from the Spanish Bronchiectasis Historical Registry

Background

Few studies have evaluated the coexistence of bronchiectasis (BE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in series of patients diagnosed primarily with BE. The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with BE associated with COPD included in the Spanish Bronchiectasis Historical Registry and compare them to the remaining patients with non-cystic fibrosis BE.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre observational study of historical cohorts, analysing the characteristics of 1,790 patients who had been included in the registry between 2002 and 2011. Of these, 158 (8.8%) were registered as BE related to COPD and were compared to the remaining patients with BE of other aetiologies.

Results

Patients with COPD were mostly male, older, had a poorer respiratory function and more frequent exacerbations. There were no differences in the proportion of patients with chronic bronchial colonisation or in the isolated microorganisms. A significantly larger proportion of patients with COPD received treatment with bronchodilators, inhaled steroids and intravenous antibiotics, but there was no difference in the use of long term oral or inhaled antibiotherapy. During a follow-up period of 3.36 years, the overall proportion of deaths was 13.8%. When compared to the remaining aetiologies, patients with BE associated with COPD presented the highest mortality rate. The multivariate analysis showed that the diagnosis of COPD in a patient with BE as a primary diagnosis increased the risk of death by 1.77.

Conclusion

Patients with BE related to COPD have the same microbiological characteristics as patients with BE due to other aetiologies. They receive treatment with long term oral and inhaled antibiotics aimed at controlling chronic bronchial colonisation, even though the current COPD treatment guidelines do not envisage this type of therapy. These patients’ mortality is notably higher than that of remaining patients with non-cystic fibrosis BE.

The Likelihood of Preventing Respiratory Exacerbations in Children and Adolescents with either Chronic Suppurative Lung Disease or Bronchiectasis

Chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) and bronchiectasis in children and adolescents are important causes of respiratory morbidity and reduced quality of life (QoL), also leading to subsequent premature death during adulthood. Acute respiratory exacerbations in pediatric CSLD and bronchiectasis are important markers of disease control clinically, given that they impact upon QoL and increase health-care-associated costs and can adversely affect future lung functioning. Preventing exacerbations in this population is, therefore, likely to have significant individual, familial, societal, and health-sector benefits. In this review, we focus on therapeutic interventions, such as drugs (antibiotics, mucolytics, hyperosmolar agents, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), vaccines and physiotherapy, and care-planning, such as post-hospitalization management and health promotion strategies, including exercise, diet, and reducing exposure to environmental toxicants. The review identified a conspicuous lack of moderate or high-quality evidence for preventing respiratory exacerbations in children and adolescents with CSLD or bronchiectasis. Given the short- and long-term impact of exacerbations upon individuals, their families, and society as a whole, large studies addressing interventions at the primary and tertiary prevention phases are required. This research must include children and adolescents in both developing and developed countries and address long-term health outcomes.

Chronic Suppurative Lung Disease in Children: Definition and Spectrum of Disease

The most common clinical suppurative lung conditions in children are empyema, lung abscess, and bronchiectasis, and to a less often necrotizing pneumonia. Until recently, bronchiectasis was the most common form of persistent suppurative lung disease in children. Protracted bacterial bronchitis is a newly described chronic suppurative condition in children, which is less persistent but more common than bronchiectasis (1). In addition, the term "chronic suppurative lung disease" has been used recently to describe the clinical features of bronchiectasis when the radiographic features needed to make a diagnosis of bronchiectasis are absent. Webster's New College Dictionary defines suppuration as the process of forming and/or discharging pus. Pus is a body fluid resulting from intense inflammation in response to infection that leads to neutrophil influx and apoptosis, microbial clearance, and often necrosis of nearby tissue. Pus is primarily composed of white blood cell debris.

The Epidemiology of Chronic Suppurative Lung Disease and Bronchiectasis in Children and Adolescents

In the modern era, the global burden of childhood chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) remains poorly captured by the literature. What is clear, however, is that CSLD is essentially a disease of poverty. Disadvantaged children from indigenous and low- and middle-income populations had a substantially higher burden of CSLD, generally infectious in etiology and of a more severe nature, than children in high-income countries. A universal issue was the delay in diagnosis and the inconsistent reporting of clinical features. Importantly, infection-related CSLD is largely preventable. A considerable research and clinical effort is needed to identify modifiable risk factors and socioeconomic determinants of CSLD and provide robust evidence to guide optimal prevention and management strategies. The purpose of this review was to update the international literature on the epidemiology, etiology, and clinical features of pediatric CSLD.

Phenotyping Adults with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: A 10-Year Cohort Study in a French Regional University Hospital Center

BACKGROUND

Data concerning phenotypes in bronchiectasis are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, functional and microbiological phenotypes of patients with bronchiectasis.

METHODS

A monocentric retrospective study in a university hospital in France was conducted over 10 years (2002-2012). Non-cystic fibrosis patients with tomographic confirmation of bronchiectasis were included. The clinical, functional and microbiological data of patients were analyzed relying on the underlying etiology.

RESULTS

Of the 311 included patients, an etiology was found for 245 of them. At the time of diagnosis, the median age was 61 years and the mean FEV1 was 63% of predicted. The main causes of bronchiectasis were post-infectious (50%, mostly related to tuberculosis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; 13%) and idiopathic (11%). Other causes were immune deficiency (6%), asthma (4%), autoimmunity (3%), tumor (2%) and other causes (4%). The comparison of phenotypic traits shows significant differences between COPD, congenital and idiopathic groups in term of sex (p = 0.0175), tobacco status (p < 0.0001), FEV1 (p = 0.0412) and age at diagnosis (p < 0.001), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) colonization (p = 0.0276) and lobectomy (0.0093). Functional follow-up was available in 30% of patients with a median duration of 2.7 years. Presence of PA was associated with a lower median FEV1 at diagnosis (43% p < 0.003) but not with a faster rate of decline in FEV1.

CONCLUSION

Distinctive clinical, functional and microbiological features were found for idiopathic, congenital and COPD-related bronchiectasis. A prospective follow-up of these subgroups is necessary to validate their relevance in the management of bacterial colonization and specific complications of these bronchiectases.

Non CF-bronchiectasis: Aetiologic approach, clinical, radiological, microbiological and functional profile in 277 patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Non-Cystic Fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is common in Greece but little attention has been paid to the investigation of its aetiology, clinical, radiological, microbiological and lung function profile.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated patients with non-CF bronchiectasis confirmed by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest. Aetiology, clinical data, radiology score, microbiological profile and lung function were investigated.

RESULTS

We evaluated 277 patients (170 women) with bronchiectasis (mean age: 60.5 ± 16 years), 64% of them being non-smokers. Post-infectious (25.2%) and past tuberculosis (TB) (22.3%) were the most commonly identified underlying conditions, while no cause was found in 34% of the patients. The main symptoms were cough (82%), mucopurulent sputum (80%), dyspnea (60%) and haemoptysis (37%). Mean duration of symptoms was 9.7 (SD 10.7) years. Infectious exacerbations were observed in 67.5% of the patients with a mean frequency of 2.3 (SD 1.4) per year. The most frequent lung function pattern was the obstructive (43.1%) while 38% of the patients had normal spirometry. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common pathogen yielded in sputum cultures (43%) followed by Haemophilus influenzae (12.6%). Patients with P. aeruginosa had a more long-standing disease and worse lung function. Radiological severity of the disease was mainly related to impaired lung function, P. aeruginosa isolation in sputum and frequent exacerbations.

CONCLUSION

Data indicate that in Greece, "past" tuberculosis remains an important cause of bronchiectasis. P. aeruginosa was the predominant pathogen in the airways, associated with disease severity, while the most common lung function impairment was obstruction.

A fast and fatal course of bronchiectasis: an unusual rare expression of chronic graft versus host disease. A case report

Introduction. We report a case of a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia whose treatment with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) was followed by chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) with lung involvement and bronchiectasis. This report illustrates an unusual course of a fast progression of the bronchiectasis due to BMT.

Case description. A 33-year-old female was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. An allogeneic BMT was performed. One month after the transplantation, acute GVHD with skin involvement occurred. Treatment with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been started. Nine months later, the patient was examined by a pulmonologist due to progressive dyspnoea. A pulmonary computed tomography (CT) scan showed normal parenchyma of the lungs and no changes to the bronchi. A CT scan performed 7 months later revealed bronchiectasis for the first time. No clinical response was associated with the treatment and the patient’s respiratory status progressively deteriorated. During the final hospitalization, a CT scan performed 1 year later revealed huge cystic bronchiectasis in both lungs. Despite the prophylaxis and treatment of GVHD and aggressive antimicrobial therapy, the patient died one year after the diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

Conclusions. This case demonstrates that a fast and fatal course of bronchiectasis, that occurs after BMT, should always be considered as a possible manifestation of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) following allogeneic BMT.

Inhaled non-steroid anti-inflammatories for children and adults with bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

Chronic neutrophilic inflammation, in both the presence and absence of infection, is a feature of bronchiectasis in adults and children. The anti-inflammatory properties of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be beneficial in reducing airway inflammation, thus potentially improving lung function and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of inhaled NSAIDs in the management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adults:• during stable bronchiectasis; and• for reduction of:∘ severity and frequency of acute respiratory exacerbations; and∘ long-term pulmonary decline.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Trials Register, which includes reports identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). We also searched the trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) trial portal. We carried out the latest searches on 22 September 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials comparing inhaled NSAIDs versus a control (placebo or usual treatment) in children or adults with bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We reviewed the results of searches against predetermined criteria for inclusion.

MAIN RESULTS

One small, short-term trial was eligible for inclusion. We included this study of 25 adults with chronic lung disease (only 32% of people included in the trial had bronchiectasis), as the other conditions were linked to development of bronchiectasis, and all were characterised by chronic sputum production. We were not able to obtain separate data for people with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis. We judged that the study was at a high risk of selection bias.The primary outcome (mean difference in control of bronchiectasis severity, quality of life (Qol), cough scores) was not reported in the included study. The single trial in adults reported a significant reduction in sputum production over 14 days for the treatment group (inhaled indomethacin) compared with the placebo group (mean difference (MD) -75.00 g/day; 95% confidence interval (CI) -134.61 to -15.39) and a significant improvement in the Borg Dyspnoea Scale score (MD -1.90, 95% CI -3.15 to -0.65). We noted no significant differences between groups in lung function or blood indices and no reported adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

No new studies of adults or children have been conducted since the last version of this review was published. Therefore, final conclusions have not changed. Current evidence is insufficient to support or refute the use of inhaled NSAIDs for the management of bronchiectasis in adults or children. One small trial reported a reduction in sputum production and improved dyspnoea among adults with chronic lung disease who were treated with inhaled indomethacin, indicating that additional studies on the efficacy of NSAIDs for treatment of patients with bronchiectasis are warranted.

The EMBARC European Bronchiectasis Registry: protocol for an international observational study

Bronchiectasis is one of the most neglected diseases in respiratory medicine. There are no approved therapies and few large-scale, representative epidemiological studies.

The EMBARC (European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration) registry is a prospective, pan-European observational study of patients with bronchiectasis. The inclusion criterion is a primary clinical diagnosis of bronchiectasis consisting of: 1) a clinical history consistent with bronchiectasis; and 2) computed tomography demonstrating bronchiectasis. Core exclusion criteria are: 1) bronchiectasis due to known cystic fibrosis; 2) age <18 years; and 3) patients who are unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.

The study aims to enrol 1000 patients by April 2016 across at least 20 European countries, and 10 000 patients by March 2020. Patients will undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment and will be followed up annually for up to 5 years with the goal of providing high-quality longitudinal data on outcomes, treatment patterns and quality of life. Data from the registry will be available in the form of annual reports. and will be disseminated in conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

The European Bronchiectasis Registry aims to make a major contribution to understanding the natural history of the disease, as well as guiding evidence-based decision making and facilitating large randomised controlled trials.

The European Bronchiectasis Registry will recruit 10 000 patients over 5 yearshttp://ow.ly/Ul7Pd

Emphysema is an independent risk factor for 5-year mortality in patients with bronchiectasis

INTRODUCTION

Bronchiectasis is a common disabling respiratory disease in China. However, the literatures that focused on the long-term prognosis and the risk factors for mortality are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for 5-year mortality in patients with bronchiectasis.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted. Patients who were newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis by thoracic conventional CT scans from January 2003 to March 2008 were assessed. Baseline characteristics, symptoms, radiographic extent, pulmonary function tests data and comorbidities were recorded through chart review. The vital status of the patients was obtained by telephone contact and record of hospital admission. Multivariate cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for 5-year mortality.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis were included in our cohort. The mean age of the cohort was 55.29 ± 16.15 and 49.4% of the patients were female. At the end of the study, 12 patients (13.5%) died and the mean survival time was 57.05 ± 1.09 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that long-term mortality was significantly associated with emphysema (HR, 5.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-23.46; P = 0.02) and radiographic extent (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.02-2.58; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The main finding of our study was that emphysema might be a risk factor for mortality in patients with bronchiectasis.

Etiology of Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in Adults and Its Correlation to Disease Severity

RATIONALE

Testing for underlying etiology is a key part of bronchiectasis management, but it is unclear whether the same extent of testing is required across the spectrum of disease severity.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to identify the etiology of bronchiectasis across European cohorts and according to different levels of disease severity.

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of seven databases of adult outpatients with bronchiectasis prospectively enrolled at the bronchiectasis clinics of university teaching hospitals in Monza, Italy; Dundee and Newcastle, United Kingdom; Leuven, Belgium; Barcelona, Spain; Athens, Greece; and Galway, Ireland. All the patients at every site underwent the same comprehensive diagnostic workup as suggested by the British Thoracic Society.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among the 1,258 patients enrolled, an etiology of bronchiectasis was determined in 60%, including postinfective (20%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease related (15%), connective tissue disease related (10%), immunodeficiency related (5.8%), and asthma related (3.3%). An etiology leading to a change in patient's management was identified in 13% of the cases. No significant differences in the etiology of bronchiectasis were present across different levels of disease severity, with the exception of a higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related bronchiectasis (P < 0.001) and a lower prevalence of idiopathic bronchiectasis (P = 0.029) in patients with severe disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians should not be guided by disease severity in suspecting specific etiologies in patients with bronchiectasis, although idiopathic bronchiectasis appears to be less common in patients with the most severe disease.

Combination inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-agonists for children and adults with bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is a major contributor to chronic respiratory morbidity and mortality worldwide. Wheeze and other asthma-like symptoms and bronchial hyperreactivity may occur in people with bronchiectasis. Physicians often use asthma treatments in patients with bronchiectasis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of inhaled long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA) combined with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children and adults with bronchiectasis during (1) acute exacerbations and (2) stable state.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Airways Group searched the the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of Trials, which includes records identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE and other databases. The Cochrane Airways Group performed the latest searches in October 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of combined ICS and LABA compared with a control (placebo, no treatment, ICS as monotherapy) in children and adults with bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis (CF).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors extracted data independently using standard methodological procedures as expected by The Cochrane Collaboration.

MAIN RESULTS

We found no RCTs comparing ICS and LABA combination with either placebo or usual care. We included one RCT that compared combined ICS and LABA with high-dose ICS in 40 adults with non-CF bronchiectasis without co-existent asthma. All participants received three months of high-dose budesonide dipropionate treatment (1600 micrograms). After three months, participants were randomly assigned to receive either high-dose budesonide dipropionate (1600 micrograms per day) or a combination of budesonide with formoterol (640 micrograms of budesonide and 18 micrograms of formoterol) for three months. The study was not blinded. We assessed it to be an RCT with overall high risk of bias. Data analysed in this review showed that those who received combined ICS-LABA (in stable state) had a significantly better transition dyspnoea index (mean difference (MD) 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 2.18) and cough-free days (MD 12.30, 95% CI 2.38 to 22.2) compared with those receiving ICS after three months of treatment. No significant difference was noted between groups in quality of life (MD -4.57, 95% CI -12.38 to 3.24), number of hospitalisations (odds ratio (OR) 0.26, 95% CI 0.02 to 2.79) or lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)). Investigators reported 37 adverse events in the ICS group versus 12 events in the ICS-LABA group but did not mention the number of individuals experiencing adverse events. Hence differences between groups were not included in the analyses. We assessed the overall evidence to be low quality.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In adults with bronchiectasis without co-existent asthma, during stable state, a small single trial with a high risk of bias suggests that combined ICS-LABA may improve dyspnoea and increase cough-free days in comparison with high-dose ICS. No data are provided for or against, the use of combined ICS-LABA in adults with bronchiectasis during an acute exacerbation, or in children with bronchiectasis in a stable or acute state. The absence of high quality evidence means that decisions to use or discontinue combined ICS-LABA in people with bronchiectasis may need to take account of the presence or absence of co-existing airway hyper-responsiveness and consideration of adverse events associated with combined ICS-LABA.

Mortality in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a prospective cohort analysis

INTRODUCTION

There is limited data on mortality and associated morbidity in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). Our aim was to analyze the overall mortality for all newly diagnosed patients from June 2006 onwards and to evaluate risk factors for mortality in this cohort.

METHODS

245 patients who had a new diagnosis of NCFB between June 2006 and October 2012 at the University Hospital of Leuven, Belgium, were included in the analysis. Death was analyzed until end of November 2013. All patients had chest HRCT scan confirming the presence of bronchiectatic lesions and had symptoms of chronic productive cough. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard survival regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of variables possibly predicting mortality.

RESULTS

Overall mortality in NCFB patients who had a median follow-up of 5.18 years was 20.4%. Patients with NCFB and associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had a mortality of 55% in that period. Univariate analysis showed higher mortality according to age, gender, smoking history, Pseudomonas aeruginosa status, spirometry, radiological extent, total number of sputum bacteria and underlying etiology. Multivariate analysis showed significant higher mortality with increasing age (HR = 1.045; p = 0.004), with increasing number of lobes affected (HR = 1.53; p = 0.009) and when patients had COPD associated NCFB (HR = 2.12; p = 0.038). The majority of the 50 deaths were respiratory related (n = 29; 58%).

CONCLUSION

NCFB patients with associated COPD disease had the highest mortality rates compared to the other NCFB patients. Additional risk factors for lower survival were increasing age and number of lobes affected.

The role of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Study Objectives. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other clinical tools including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients with stable non-CF bronchiectasis. Design. A within-subject correlational study of a group of patients with stable non-CF bronchiectasis, who were recruited from our outpatient clinic, was done over a two-year period. Measurements. Sixty-nine stable non-CF bronchiectasis patients were evaluated in terms of hs-CRP, 6-minute walk test, pulmonary function tests, and HRCT. Results. Circulating hs-CRP levels were significantly correlated with HRCT scores (n = 69, r = 0.473, P < 0.001) and resting oxygenation saturation (r = -0.269, P = 0.025). HRCT severity scores significantly increased in patients with hs-CRP level of 4.26 mg/L or higher (mean ± SD 28.1 ± 13.1) compared to those with hs-CRP level less than 4.26 mg/L (31.7 ± 9.8, P = 0.004). Oxygenation saturation at rest was lower in those with hs-CRP level of 4.26 mg/L or higher (93.5 ± 4.4%) compared to those with hs-CRP level less than 4.26 mg/L (96.4 ± 1.6%, P = 0.001). Conclusion. There was a good correlation between serum hs-CRP and HRCT scores in the patients with stable non-CF bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis-associated hospitalizations in Germany, 2005-2011: a population-based study of disease burden and trends

Background

Representative population-based data on the epidemiology of bronchiectasis in Europe are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the current burden and the trends of bronchiectasis-associated hospitalizations and associated conditions in Germany in order to inform focused patient care and to facilitate the allocation of healthcare resources.

Methods

The nationwide diagnosis-related groups hospital statistics for the years 2005–2011 were used in order to identify hospitalizations with bronchiectasis as any hospital discharge diagnosis according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, code J47, (acquired) bronchiectasis. Poisson log-linear regression analysis was used to assess the significance of trends. In addition, the overall length of hospital stay (LOS) and the in-hospital mortality in comparison to the nationwide overall mortality due to bronchiectasis as the primary diagnosis was assessed.

Results

Overall, 61,838 records with bronchiectasis were extracted from more than 125 million hospitalizations. The average annual age-adjusted rate for bronchiectasis as any diagnosis was 9.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 population. Hospitalization rates increased significantly during the study period, with the highest rate of 39.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 population among men aged 75–84 years and the most pronounced average annual increases among females. Besides numerous bronchiectasis-associated conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was most frequently found in up to 39.2% of hospitalizations with bronchiectasis as the primary diagnosis. The mean LOS was comparable to that for COPD. Overall, only 40% of bronchiectasis-associated deaths occurred inside the hospital.

Conclusions

The present study provides evidence of a changing epidemiology and a steadily increasing prevalence of bronchiectasis-associated hospitalizations. Moreover, it confirms the diversity of bronchiectasis-associated conditions and the possible association between bronchiectasis and COPD. As the major burden of disease may be managed out-of-hospital, prospective patient registries are needed to establish the exact prevalence of bronchiectasis according to the specific underlying condition.

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 polymorphism (-1607G) and disease severity in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in Taiwan

Objectives

Bronchiectasis is characterized by an irreversible dilatation of bronchi and is associated with lung fibrosis. MMP-1 polymorphism may alter its transcriptional activity, and differentially modulate bronchial destruction and lung fibrosis.

Design

To investigate the association of MMP-1 polymorphisms with disease severity in non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis patients, 51 normal subjects and 113 patients with bronchiectasis were studied. The associations between MMP-1 polymorphisms, lung function, and disease severity evaluated by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were analyzed.

Results

The frequency of MMP-1(-1607G) allele was significantly higher in patients with bronchiectasis than normal subjects (70.8% vs 45.1%, p<0.01). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was decreased in bronchiectasis patients with 1G/1G (1.2±0.1 L, n = 14) and 1G/2G (1.3±0.1 L, n = 66) genotypes compared to the 2G/2G genotype (1.7±0.1 L, n = 33, p<0.01). Six minute walking distance was decreased in bronchiectasis patients with 1G/1G and 1G/2G compared to that of 2G/2G genotype. Disease severity evaluated by HRCT score significantly increased in bronchiectasis patients with 1G/1G and 1G/2G genotypes compared to that of 2G/2G genotype. Bronchiectasis patients with at least one MMP-1 (-1607G) allele showed increased tendency for hospitalization. Serum levels of pro-MMP-1, active MMP-1 and TGF-β1 were significantly increased in patients with bronchiectasis with 1G/1G and 1G/2G genotype compared with 2G/2G genotype or normal subjects. Under IL-1β stimulation, peripheral blood monocytes from subjects with 1G/2G or 1G/1G genotype secreted higher levels of TGF-β1compared to subjects with 2G/2G genotype.

Conclusion

This is the first report to address the influence of MMP-1 polymorphisms on lung function and airway destruction in non-CF bronchiectasis patients. Bronchiectasis patients with MMP-1(-1607G) polymorphism may be more vulnerable to permanent lung fibrosis or airway destruction due to the enhanced MMP-1 and TGF-β1 activity. Upregulated MMP-1 activity results in proteolytic destruction of matrix, and leads to subsequent fibrosis.

Gastroesophageal reflux in bronchiectasis and the effect of anti-reflux treatment

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is a progressive and fatal disease despite the available treatment regimens. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may play an important role in the progression of bronchiectasis. However, active anti-reflux intervention such as Stretta radiofrequency (SRF) and/or laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) have rarely been used to treat Bronchiectasis.

CASE PRESENTATION

Seven patients' clinical outcomes for treating GER-related deteriorated bronchiectasis were retrospective reviewed. All patients were treated by SRF and/or LF, and had follow-up periods ranging from one to five years. Typical GER symptoms, respiratory symptoms, medication consumption and general health status were assessed during the follow-ups. At the latest follow-up all patients were alive. The typical GER symptoms disappeared in five people and were significantly improved in the other two. Two had complete remissions of both respiratory symptoms and bronchiectasis exacerbations; four had significantly improved respiratory symptoms to mild/moderate degrees as well as reduced or zero bronchiectasis exacerbations, which allowed them to resume the physical and social functions; one's respiratory symptoms and bronchiectasis exacerbations were not much improved, yet she was in stable condition and satisfied with the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Potentially, GER plays an important role in some patients with bronchiectasis, and active anti-reflux treatments can be beneficial. Future clinical studies are suggested to clarify GER's role in bronchiectasis and to further determine whether anti-reflux interventions for GER can improve the outcomes of patients with bronchiectasis.

Airway inflammatory markers in individuals with cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is an airway disease characterized by thickening of the bronchial wall, chronic inflammation , and destruction of affected bronchi. Underlying etiologies include severe pulmonary infection and cystic fibrosis (CF); however, in a substantial number of patients with non-CF-related bronchiectasis (NCFB), no cause is found. The increasing armamentarium of therapies now available to combat disease in CF is in stark contrast to the limited tools employed in NCFB. Our study aimed to evaluate similarities and differences in airway inflammatory markers in patients with NCFB and CF, and to suggest potential common treatment options. The results of this study show that NCFB bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples possessed significantly increased NE activity and elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 compared to healthy controls (P < 0.01); however, the levels detected were lower than in CF (P < 0.01). Interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations were significantly elevated in NCFB and CF compared to controls (P < 0.05), but in contrast, negligible levels of IL-18 were detected in both NCFB and CF. Analogous concentrations of IL-10 and IL-4 measured in NCFB and CF were statistically elevated above the healthy control values (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). These results indicate high levels of important proinflammatory markers in both NCFB and CF and support the use of appropriate anti-inflammatory therapies already employed in the treatment of CF bronchiectasis in NCFB.

Socioeconomic deprivation, readmissions, mortality and acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is known to cause significant morbidity in children in New Zealand. Little is known of the disease in adults.

AIM

Our objective was to characterise a cohort of adults who presented to hospital with acute exacerbations of the disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected information on all exacerbations treated as inpatients from a single hospital in South Auckland, New Zealand during 2002.

RESULTS

We collected information on 307 exacerbations in 152 patients. Twenty-seven per cent were of Maaori ethnic origin, and 44% Pacific. Seventy per cent lived in areas categorised as the 20% most deprived in New Zealand. Comorbid conditions were present in 80% of patients - most commonly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes and cardiac disease. Seventy (46%) patients had at least one readmission and 32 patients (21%) died within 12 months of admission to hospital. Greater deprivation was associated with increased mortality at 12 months after admission after adjusting for other factors (OR 11, 95% CI 2.0-61, P= 0.006). In the subgroup who underwent high-resolution computed tomographic scanning (93), increasing severity of bronchiectasis (modified Bhalla score) was associated with readmission within 12 months (P= 0.004), but not mortality (P= 0.419).

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown that exacerbations of bronchiectasis in South Auckland are more common in patients who are predominantly of Maaori or Pacific descent and are socioeconomically deprived. Admission to hospital for an exacerbation is associated with high readmission and mortality rates.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

The clinical presentation of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis may be complicated by concomitant conditions, including gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR). Increased acidic GOR is principally caused by gastro-oesophageal junction incompetence and may arise from lower oesophageal sphincter hypotension, including transient relaxations, hiatus hernia, and oesophageal dysmotility. Specific pathophysiological features which are characteristic of respiratory diseases including coughing may further increase the risk of GOR in bronchiectasis. Reflux may impact on lung disease severity by two mechanisms, reflex bronchoconstriction and pulmonary microaspiration. Symptomatic and clinically silent reflux has been detected in bronchiectasis, with the prevalence of 26 to 75%. The cause and effect relationship has not been established, but preliminary reports suggest that GOR may influence the severity of bronchiectasis. Further studies examining the implications of GOR in this condition, including its effect across the disease spectrum using a combination of diagnostic tools, will clarify the clinical significance of this comorbidity.

Prediction of cardiovascular events by using non-vascular findings on routine chest CT

Background

Routine computed tomography (CT) examinations contain an abundance of findings unrelated to the diagnostic question. Those with prognostic significance may contribute to early detection and treatment of disease, irrelevant findings can be ignored. We aimed to assess the association between unrequested chest CT findings in lungs, mediastinum and pleura and future cardiovascular events.

Methods

Multi-center case-cohort study in 5 tertiary and 3 secondary care hospitals involving 10410 subjects who underwent routine chest CT for non-cardiovascular reasons. 493 cardiovascular hospitalizations or deaths were recorded during an average follow-up time of 17.8 months. 1191 patients were randomly sampled to serve as a control subcohort. Hazard ratios and annualized event rates were calculated.

Results

Abnormalities in the lung (26–44%), pleura (14–15%) and mediastinum (20%) were common. Hazard ratios after adjustment for age and sex were for airway wall thickening 2.26 (1.59–3.22), ground glass opacities 2.50 (1.72–3.62), consolidations 1.97 (1.12–3.47), pleural effusions 2.77 (1.81–4.25) and lymph-nodes 2.04 (1.40–2.96). Corresponding annual event rates were 5.5%, 6.0%, 3.8%, 10.2% and 4.4%.

Conclusions

We have identified several common chest CT findings that are predictive for future risk of cardiovascular events and found that other findings have little utility for this. The added value of the non-vascular predictors to established vascular calcifications on CT remains to be determined.

[Treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis]

Bronchiectasis is currently growing in importance due to both the increase in the number of diagnoses made as well as the negative impact that its presence has on the baseline disease that generates it. A fundamental aspect in these patients is the colonization and infection of the bronchial mucous by potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPM), which are the cause in most cases of the start of the chronic inflammatory process that results in the destruction and dilatation of the bronchial tree that is characteristic in these patients. The treatment of the colonization and chronic bronchial infection in these patients should be based on prolonged antibiotic therapy in its different presentations. Lately, the inhaled form is becoming especially prominent due to its high efficacy and limited production of important adverse effects. However, one must not overlook the fact that the management of patients with bronchiectasis should be multidisciplinary and multidimensional. In addition to antibiotic treatment, the collaboration of different medical and surgical specialties is essential for the management of the exacerbations, nutritional aspects, respiratory physiotherapy, muscle rehabilitation, complications, inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity and the hypersecretion that characterizes these patients.