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

Survival Outcomes in US Medicare Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis by Rate of Baseline Exacerbations

INTRODUCTION

There are limited real-world data on outcomes in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE). This study assessed clinical characteristics and survival in patients with NCFBE by baseline exacerbation rate.

METHODS

Patients with bronchiectasis (≥ 1 inpatient or ≥ 2 outpatient claims with a bronchiectasis diagnosis code, or one outpatient claim with bronchiectasis code and a chest computed tomography scan) were from the 100% Medicare Fee-for-Service database (Jan 2014-Dec 2020). Patients had continuous enrollment ≥ 12 months pre-index (baseline) and post-index (follow-up), with index a random bronchiectasis claim preceded by ≥ 12 months bronchiectasis history. Patients with cystic fibrosis were excluded. Patients were stratified by exacerbations during baseline (0, 1, or ≥ 2). Follow-up exacerbation rate and all-cause mortality were assessed. Controls were identified using a multistep direct matching approach. Time to death from index was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analyses.

RESULTS

Exacerbation analysis included 92,529 patients with NCFBE and 92,529 matched controls. Exacerbations were common (43% had ≥ 1 exacerbation), with patients with more baseline exacerbations more likely to have ≥ 2 exacerbations during follow-up (11.4%, 24.2%, and 46.8% of patients with 0, 1, and ≥ 2 baseline exacerbations, respectively). Survival analysis included 110,298 patients with NCFBE and 110,298 controls. Time to death was shorter in patients with more baseline exacerbations (P < 0.0001). Five-year survival was 55.3%, 62.6%, and 65.4% for patients with ≥ 2, 1, and 0 baseline exacerbations, respectively, compared with 64.1% for controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In these patients with NCFBE, exacerbations were common. History of exacerbations was associated with future exacerbations and increased all-cause mortality.

[Management of adult bronchiectasis - Consensus-based Guidelines for the German Respiratory Society (DGP) e. V. (AWMF registration number 020-030)]

Bronchiectasis is an etiologically heterogeneous, chronic, and often progressive respiratory disease characterized by irreversible bronchial dilation. It is frequently associated with significant symptom burden, multiple complications, and reduced quality of life. For several years, there has been a marked global increase in the prevalence of bronchiectasis, which is linked to a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. This consensus-based guideline is the first German-language guideline addressing the management of bronchiectasis in adults. The guideline emphasizes the importance of thoracic imaging using CT for diagnosis and differentiation of bronchiectasis and highlights the significance of etiology in determining treatment approaches. Both non-drug and drug treatments are comprehensively covered. Non-pharmacological measures include smoking cessation, physiotherapy, physical training, rehabilitation, non-invasive ventilation, thoracic surgery, and lung transplantation. Pharmacological treatments focus on the long-term use of mucolytics, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory medications, and antibiotics. Additionally, the guideline covers the challenges and strategies for managing upper airway involvement, comorbidities, and exacerbations, as well as socio-medical aspects and disability rights. The importance of patient education and self-management is also emphasized. Finally, the guideline addresses special life stages such as transition, family planning, pregnancy and parenthood, and palliative care. The aim is to ensure comprehensive, consensus-based, and patient-centered care, taking into account individual risks and needs.

Lung bronchiectasisas a paradigm of the interplay between infection and colonization on plastic modulation of the pre-metastatic niche

The lungs are most often a preferential target organ for malignant spreading and growth. It is well known that chronic parenchymal inflammation and prolonged injuries represents an independent risk factor for cancer onset. Growing evidence supports the implication of lung microbiota in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. However, the full interplay between chronic inflammation, bacterial colonization, pathologic condition as bronchiectasis and malignant growth deserves better clarification. We here aim at presenting and analyzing original data and discussing the state-of-the-art on the knowledge regarding how this complex milieu acts on the plasticity of the lung pre-metastatic niche to point out the rationale for early diagnosis and therapeutic targeting.

Epidemiology of bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by permanent enlargement of the airways associated with cough, sputum production and a history of pulmonary exacerbations. In the past few years, incidence and prevalence of bronchiectasis have increased worldwide, possibly due to advances in imaging techniques and disease awareness, leading to increased socioeconomic burden and healthcare costs. Consistently, a mortality increase in bronchiectasis patient cohorts has been demonstrated in certain areas of the globe, with mortality rates of 16-24.8% over 4-5 years of follow-up. However, heterogeneity in epidemiological data is consistent, as reported prevalence in the general population ranges from 52.3 to more than 1000 per 100 000. Methodological flaws in the designs of available studies are likely to underestimate the proportion of people suffering from this condition worldwide and comparisons between different areas of the globe might be unreliable due to different assessment methods or local implementation of the same method in different contexts. Differences in disease severity associated with diverse geographical distribution of aetiologies, comorbidities and microbiology might explain an additional quota of heterogeneity. Finally, limited access to care in certain geographical areas is associated with both underestimation of the disease and increased severity and mortality. The aim of this review is to provide a snapshot of available real-world epidemiological data describing incidence and prevalence of bronchiectasis in the general population. Furthermore, data on mortality, healthcare burden and high-risk populations are provided. Finally, an analysis of the geographical distribution of determinants contributing to differences in bronchiectasis epidemiology is offered.

Prevalence of bronchiectasis in adults: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis, once considered an orphan disease, is receiving attention globally owing to its increasing prevalence, healthcare burden, and associated morbidity. However, the prevalence of bronchiectasis is unclear. This meta-analysis estimates the prevalence of bronchiectasis in adults, providing a valuable reference for future research.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to May 31, 2024 for studies reporting the prevalence of bronchiectasis. Study selection, data extraction, and overall analysis of risk of the retrieved studies were conducted independently by two authors. The tool for assessing the risk of bias in prevalence studies was used to evaluate overall risk. Stata software (version 15.1) was used to performed the meta-analysis. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the source of heterogeneity. Funnel plots combined with Egger's test were used to detect publication bias.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of bronchiectasis in adults from 15 studies covering 437,851,478 individuals was 680 per 100,000 (95% CI: 634-727 per 100,000). Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of bronchiectasis in the United States, Korea, and China was 478 per 100,000 (95% CI: 367-588 per 100,000), 886 per 100,000 (95% CI: 778-993 per 100,000), and 759 per 100,000 (95% CI: 35-2399 per 100,000), respectively; 467 per 100,000 (95% CI: 416-518 per 100,000) in males and 535 per 100,000 (95% CI: 477-592 per 100,000) in females; 3958 per 100,000 (95% CI: 117-12637 per 100,000), 4677 per 100,000 (95% CI: 427-8928 per 100,000), and 3630 per 100,000 (95% CI: 158-7103 per 100,000) among never-smokers, ever-smokers, and current smokers, respectively; 430 per 100,000 (95% CI: 411-450 per 100,000), 380 per 100,000 (95% CI: 374-386 per 100,000), and 351 per 100,000 (95% CI: 342-360 per 100,000) among individuals with body mass index<18.5, 18.5-24.9, and ≥ 25, respectively. Sixteen comorbidities were evaluated in patients with bronchiectasis, revealing a high rate.

CONCLUSION

Bronchiectasis is not a rare disease and requires more attention from scientific researchers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023409216. Registered 26 June 2023.

Mechanisms underlying the effects, and clinical applications, of oral microbiota in lung cancer: current challenges and prospects

The oral cavity contains a site-specific microbiota that interacts with host cells to regulate many physiological processes in the human body. Emerging evidence has suggested that changes in the oral microbiota can increase the risk of lung cancer (LC), and the oral microbiota is also altered in patients with LC. Human and animal studies have shown that oral microecological disorders and/or specific oral bacteria may play an active role in the occurrence and development of LC through direct and/or indirect mechanisms. These studies support the potential of oral microbiota in the clinical treatment of LC. Oral microbiota may therefore be used in the prevention and treatment of LC and to improve the side effects of anticancer therapy by regulating the balance of the oral microbiome. Specific oral microbiota in LC may also be used as screening or predictive biomarkers. This review summarizes the main findings in research on oral microbiome-related LC and discusses current challenges and future research directions.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients Who Have Marfan Syndrome: Adverse Events and 5-Year Revision Rates

BACKGROUND

Marfan syndrome is a rare inherited connective tissue disease, which may be present in patients who have advanced hip pathologies that may require total hip arthroplasty (THA). The postoperative course of patients who have Marfan syndrome following THA has not yet been defined.

METHODS

Adult patients who have and do not have Marfan syndrome and underwent THA were identified in a national database. Patients diagnosed who had infection, trauma, or neoplasms within the 90 days prior to surgery were excluded. Those who have versus those who did not have Marfan syndrome were matched 1:10 based on age, sex, and a comorbidity index. After matching, 144 patients who have Marfan syndrome and 1,440 who do not have Marfan syndrome were identified. The 90-day postoperative adverse events and 5-year revisions were assessed and compared with multivariable analyses and log rank tests, respectively.

RESULTS

Multivariable analyses demonstrated that Marfan syndrome was independently associated with greater odds of 90-day adverse events: venous thromboembolic events (odds ratio [OR]: 2.9, P = .001), cardiac events (OR: 4.5, P = .034), pneumonia (OR: 3.5, P < .001), and urinary tract infections (OR: 5.2, P < .001). There was no significant difference in 5-year rates of revision.

CONCLUSIONS

Following THA, Marfan syndrome was independently associated with greater rates of several 90-day adverse events, but not higher 5-year rates of revision. The identified at-risk adverse events may help guide surgeons to improve perioperative care pathways, while having confidence regarding joint survival of THA in this rare disease population.

Phenotypical characteristics of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in patients with bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

The global mortality and morbidity rates of bronchiectasis patients due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pulmonary infection are on a concerning upward trend. The aims of this study to identify the phenotype of NTM-positive individuals with bronchiectasis.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center observational study was conducted in adult patients with bronchiectasis who underwent bronchoscopy in 2007-2020. Clinical, laboratory, pulmonary function, and radiological data were compared between patients with a positive or negative NTM culture.

RESULTS

Compared to the NTM-negative group (n=677), the NTM-positive group (n=94) was characterized (P ≤0.05 for all) by older age, greater proportion of females, and higher rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease and muco-active medication use; lower body mass index, serum albumin level, and lymphocyte and eosinophil counts; lower values of forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity, and their ratio, and lower diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide; higher rates of bronchiectasis in both lungs and upper lobes and higher number of involved lobes; and more exacerbations in the year prior bronchoscopy. On multivariate analysis, older age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.07, P=0.001), lower body mass index (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.16-1.07, P <0.001), and increased number of involved lobes (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.44, P=0.04) were associated with NTM infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with bronchiectasis and NTM pulmonary infection are more likely to be older and female with more severe clinical, laboratory, pulmonary function, and radiological parameters than those without NTM infection. This phenotype can be used for screening patients with suspected NTM disease.

Bronchiectasis in Asia: a review of current status and challenges

Recent bronchiectasis studies from large-scale multinational, multicentre registries have demonstrated that the characteristics of the disease vary according to geographic region. However, most perspectives on bronchiectasis are dominated by data from Western countries. This review intends to provide an Asian perspective on the disease, focusing on the established registries in India, Korea and China. Asian patients with bronchiectasis are less likely to show female predominance and experience exacerbations, are more likely to be younger, have milder disease, and have fewer options for guideline-recommended treatment than those living in other global regions. Furthermore, Asian bronchiectasis patients demonstrate different comorbidities, microbiological profiles and unique endophenotypes, including post-tuberculosis and dry bronchiectasis. Notably, each Asian region reveals further geographic variations and inter-patient differences. Future studies are warranted to better characterise Asian patients with bronchiectasis.

A systematic literature review of the clinical and socioeconomic burden of bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

The overall burden of bronchiectasis on patients and healthcare systems has not been comprehensively described. Here, we present the findings of a systematic literature review that assessed the clinical and socioeconomic burden of bronchiectasis with subanalyses by aetiology (PROSPERO registration: CRD42023404162).

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched for publications relating to bronchiectasis disease burden (December 2017-December 2022). Journal articles and congress abstracts reporting on observational studies, randomised controlled trials and registry studies were included. Editorials, narrative reviews and systematic literature reviews were included to identify primary studies. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

1585 unique publications were identified, of which 587 full texts were screened and 149 were included. A further 189 citations were included from reference lists of editorials and reviews, resulting in 338 total publications. Commonly reported symptoms and complications included dyspnoea, cough, wheezing, sputum production, haemoptysis and exacerbations. Disease severity across several indices and increased mortality compared with the general population was reported. Bronchiectasis impacted quality of life across several patient-reported outcomes, with patients experiencing fatigue, anxiety and depression. Healthcare resource utilisation was considerable and substantial medical costs related to hospitalisations, treatments and emergency department and outpatient visits were accrued. Indirect costs included sick pay and lost income.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchiectasis causes significant clinical and socioeconomic burden. Disease-modifying therapies that reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and reduce both healthcare resource utilisation and overall costs are needed. Further systematic analyses of specific aetiologies and paediatric disease may provide more insight into unmet therapeutic needs.

Factors influencing survival and mortality among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis-A 10-year retrospective study

Background

The prevalence of bronchiectasis among adult Aboriginal Australians is higher than that of non-Aboriginal Australians. However, despite evidence to suggest higher prevalence of bronchiectasis among Aboriginal people in Australia, there is sparce evidence in the literature assessing clinical parameters that may predict survival or mortality in this population.

Methods

Aboriginal Australians residing in the Top End Health Service region of the Northern Territory of Australia aged >18 years with chest computed tomography (CT) confirmed bronchiectasis between 2011 and 2020 were included. Demographics, body mass index (BMI), medical co-morbidities, lung function data, sputum microbiology, chest CT scan results, hospital admissions restricted to respiratory conditions and all-cause mortality were assessed.

Results

A total of 459 patients were included, of whom 146 were recorded deceased (median age at death 59 years). Among the deceased cohort, patients were older (median age 52 vs. 45 years, p = 0.023), had a higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (91 vs. 79%, p = 0.126), lower lung function parameters (median percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s 29 vs. 40%, p = 0.149), a significantly greater proportion cultured non-Aspergillus fungi (65 vs. 46%, p = 0.007) and pseudomonas (46 vs. 28%, p = 0.007) on sputum microbiology and demonstrated bilateral involvement on radiology. In multivariate models advancing age, prior pseudomonas culture and Intensive care unit (ICU) visits were associated with increased odds of mortality. Higher BMI, better lung function on spirometry, prior positive sputum microbiology for Haemophilus and use of inhaled long-acting beta antagonist/muscarinic agents may have a favourable effect.

Conclusion

The results of this study may be of use to stratify high risk adult Aboriginal patients with bronchiectasis and to develop strategies to prevent future mortality.

The impact of smoking on bronchiectasis and its comorbidities

INTRODUCTION

Bronchiectasis, characterized by irreversible bronchial dilatation, is a growing global health concern with significant morbidity. This review delves into the intricate relationship between smoking and bronchiectasis, examining its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic approaches. Our comprehensive literature search on PubMed utilized MESH terms including 'smoking,' 'smoking cessation,' 'bronchiectasis,' and 'comorbidities' to gather relevant studies.

AREAS COVERED

This review emphasizes the role of smoking in bronchiectasis development and exacerbation by compromising airways and immune function. Interconnected comorbidities, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, create a detrimental cycle affecting patient outcomes. Despite limited studies on smoking cessation in bronchiectasis, the review stresses its importance. Advocating for tailored cessation programs, interventions like drainage, bronchodilators, and targeted antibiotics are crucial to disrupting the inflammatory-infection-widening cycle.

EXPERT OPINION

The importance of smoking cessation in bronchiectasis management is paramount due to its extensive negative impact on related conditions. Proactive cessation programs utilizing technology and targeted education for high-risk groups aim to reduce smoking's impact on disease progression and related comorbidities. In conclusion, a personalized approach centered on smoking cessation is deemed vital for bronchiectasis, aiming to improve outcomes and enhance patients' quality of life in the face of this complex respiratory condition.

Hospital admission rates and related outcomes among adult Aboriginal australians with bronchiectasis - a ten-year retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study assessed hospitalisation frequency and related clinical outcomes among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis over a ten-year study period.

METHOD

This retrospective study included patients aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with bronchiectasis between 2011 and 2020 in the Top End, Northern Territory of Australia. Hospital admissions restricted to respiratory conditions (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code J) and relevant clinical parameters were assessed and compared between those with and without hospital admissions.

RESULTS

Of the 459 patients diagnosed to have bronchiectasis, 398 (87%) recorded at least one respiratory related (ICD-J code) hospitalisation during the 10-year window. In comparison to patients with a recorded hospitalisation against those without-hospitalised patients were older (median 57 vs 53 years), predominantly females (54 vs 46%), had lower body mass index (23 vs 26 kg/m2) and had greater concurrent presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (88 vs 47%), including demonstrating lower spirometry values (forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (median FVC 49 vs 63% & FEV1 36 vs 55% respectively)). The total hospitalisations accounted for 3,123 admissions (median 4 per patient (IQR 2, 10)), at a median rate of 1 /year (IQR 0.5, 2.2) with a median length of 3 days (IQR 1, 6). Bronchiectasis along with COPD with lower respiratory tract infection (ICD code-J44) was the most common primary diagnosis code, accounting for 56% of presentations and 46% of days in hospital, which was also higher for patients using inhaled corticosteroids (81 vs 52%, p = 0.007). A total of 114 (29%) patients were recorded to have had an ICU admission, with a higher rate, including longer hospital stay among those patients with bronchiectasis and respiratory failure related presentations (32/35, 91%). In multivariate regression model, concurrent presence of COPD or asthma alongside bronchiectasis was associated with shorter times between subsequent hospitalisations (-423 days, p = 0.007 & -119 days, p = 0.02 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Hospitalisation rates among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis are high. Future interventions are required to explore avenues to reduce the overall morbidity associated with bronchiectasis among Aboriginal Australians.

Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on resource utilization and costs in patients with exacerbated non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

AIMS

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a chronic progressive respiratory disorder occurring at a rate ranging from 4.2 to 278.1 cases per 100,000 persons, depending on age, in the United States. For many patients with NCFB, the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) makes treatment more complicated and typically has worse outcomes. Management of NCFB can be challenging, warranting a better understanding of the burden of illness for NCFB, treatments applied, healthcare resources used, and subsequent treatment costs. Comparing patients diagnosed with exacerbated NCFB, with or without PA on antibiotic utilization, treatments, and healthcare resources utilization and costs was the purpose of this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of commercial claims from IQVIA's PharMetrics Plus database (January 1,2006-December 31, 2020). Study patients with a diagnosis of NCFB were stratified into two groups based on the presence or absence of PA, then followed to identify demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, antibiotic treatment regimen prescribed, healthcare resources utilized, and costs of care.

RESULTS

The results showed that patients with exacerbated NCFB who were PA+ had significantly more oral antibiotic fills per patient per year, more inpatient admissions with a longer length of stay, and more outpatient encounters than those who were PA-. For costs, PA+ patients also had significantly greater total healthcare costs per patient when compared to those who were PA-.

CONCLUSION

Exacerbated NCFB with PA+ was associated with increased antibiotic usage, greater resource utilization, and increased costs. The major contributor to the cost differences was the use of inpatient services. Treatment strategies aimed at reducing the need for inpatient treatment could lessen the disparities observed in patients with NCFB.

Advances in pharmacotherapy for bronchiectasis in adults

INTRODUCTION

Bronchiectasis has become a growing concern of chronic airway disease because of the enormous socioeconomic burden. Four cardinal interdependent components - impaired airway defense, recurrent airway infections, inflammatory response, and airway damage, in conjunction with the underlying etiology, have collectively played a role in modulating the vicious vortex of the pathogenesis and progression of bronchiectasis. Current pharmacotherapy aims to target at these aspects to break the vicious vortex.

AREAS COVERED

The authors retrieve and review, in MEDLINE, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov registry, the studies about pharmacotherapy for bronchiectasis from these aspects: antibiotics, mucoactive medications, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drug, and etiological treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

Future drug development and clinical trials of bronchiectasis need to pay more attention to the different phenotypes or endotypes of bronchiectasis. There is a need for the development of novel inhaled antibiotics that could reduce bacterial loads, improve quality-of-life, and decrease exacerbation risks. More efforts are needed to explore the next-generation neutrophil-targeted therapeutic drugs that are expected to ameliorate respiratory symptom burden, reduce exacerbation risks, and hinder airway destruction in bronchiectasis.

Do Patients with Bronchiectasis Have an Increased Risk of Developing Lung Cancer? A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Initial evidence supports the hypothesis that patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) have a higher risk of lung cancer. We systematically reviewed the available literature to define the characteristics of lung malignancies in patients with bronchiectasis and the characteristics of patients who develop bronchiectasis-associated lung cancer.

METHOD

This study was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

RESULTS

The frequency rates of lung cancer in patients with NCFB ranged from 0.93% to 8.0%. The incidence rate was 3.96. Cancer more frequently occurred in the elderly and males. Three studies found an overall higher risk of developing lung cancer in the NCFB population compared to the non-bronchiectasis one, and adenocarcinoma was the most frequently reported histological type. The effect of the co-existence of NCFB and COPD was unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

NCFB is associated with a higher risk of developing lung cancer than individuals without NCFB. This risk is higher for males, the elderly, and smokers, whereas concomitant COPD's effect is unclear.

Insights into Personalised Medicine in Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a heterogenous disease with multiple aetiologies resulting in inflammation and dilatation of the airways with associated mucus production and chronic respiratory infection. The condition is being recognised ever more frequently as the availability of computed tomography increases. It is associated with significant morbidity and healthcare-related costs. With new understanding of the disease process, varying endotypes, identification of underlying causes and treatable traits, the management of bronchiectasis can be increasingly personalised.

Mortality and comorbidities in patients with bronchiectasis over a 3-year follow-up

To identify the risk factors associated with all-cause mortality in patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). This prospective cohort study included 120 adult patients with NCFB, who were regularly treated at a specialized outpatient clinic of a university hospital between January 2017 and June 2020. All patients were diagnosed using high-resolution computed tomography. Demographic and clinical data, pulmonary function tests, and the Euro-quality-of-life 5-domain 3-level questionnaire were analyzed. The factors associated with death were determined using the Cox proportional hazards model. The all-cause mortality rate at 41 months was 10.8%. Adjusted multivariate analysis showed that the main contributing predictors for mortality were female sex, smoking, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emergency visits, use of antibiotics due to exacerbation, secretion color change, exacerbation, predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, predicted forced vital capacity, lack of respiratory physiotherapy, absence of vaccination against pneumococci, and mobility domain. Multiple factors contribute to unfavorable outcomes in patients with NCFB, and early recognition of these factors may improve care management.

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.

Global prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria in adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis 2006-2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To accurately estimate the global prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in adults with non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis and to determine the proportion of NTM species and subspecies in clinical patients from 2006 to 2021.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for articles published between 2006 and 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

We included all the prospective or retrospective studies without language restrictions and all patients were adults (≥18 years of age) with non-CF bronchiectasis. The studies estimated the effect size of the prevalence of NTM with a sample size ≥40, and patients were registered in and after 2006.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers screened the titles, abstracts and full texts independently. Relevant information was extracted and curated into tables. Risk of bias was evaluated following the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Meta-analysis was performed with software R Statistics V.3.6.3 using random effect model with 95% CI. I² index and Q statistics were calculated to assess the heterogeneity, and mixed-effects meta-regression analyses were performed to identify the sources of heterogeneity. The proportions of NTM subspecies were examined using Shapiro-Wilk normality test in R.

RESULTS

Of all the 2014 studies yielded, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 14 were identified to be randomised controlled studies and included for an accurate estimation. The global prevalence of NTM in adults with non-CF bronchiectasis from 2006 to 2021 was estimated to be approximately 10%, with great variations primarily due to geographical location. Mycobacterium avium complex was the most common subspecies, followed by Mycobacterium simiae and Mycobacterium gordonae.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of NTM in adults with non-CF bronchiectasis has been on the rise and the most common subspecies changed greatly in recent years. More cohort studies should be done in many countries and regions for future estimates.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020168473.

Risk Factors of Incident Lung Cancer in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: A Korean Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis have an increased risk of lung cancer, followed by higher mortality in this population. Because the risk factors of lung cancer have not been well identified, this study aimed to investigate the risk factors of lung cancer in individuals with newly diagnosed bronchiectasis.

METHODS

This cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database identified 7425 individuals with incident bronchiectasis among those who participated in the health screening exam in 2009. The cohort was followed from baseline to the date of incident: lung cancer, death, or until the end of the study period. We investigated the risk factors of lung cancer in participants with bronchiectasis using the Cox-proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

During median 8.3 years of follow-up duration, 1.9% (138/7425) developed lung cancer. In multivariable analyses, significant factors associated with increased risk of incident lung cancer included: males (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 3.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.17-5.79) than females, the overweight (adjusted HR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.03-2.35) than the normal weight, current smokers (adjusted HR = 3.10, 95% CI = 2.00-4.79) than never smokers, participants living in the rural area (adjusted HR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.68-3.85) than those living in the metropolitan area. Among comorbidities, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (adjusted HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.01-2.13) in participants with bronchiectasis. In contrast, mild alcohol consumption was associated with reduced risk of lung cancer (adjusted HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.29-0.74) in those with bronchiectasis.

CONCLUSION

This Korean population-based study showed that males, current smoking, overweight, living in rural areas, and comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with increased risk of lung cancer in individuals with bronchiectasis.

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.

Association between Smoking Status and Incident Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in Young Adults: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Smoking traditionally has not been considered as a cause of bronchiectasis. However, few studies have evaluated the association between smoking and bronchiectasis. This study aimed to investigate the association between smoking status and bronchiectasis development in young adults. This study included 6,861,282 adults aged 20−39 years from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database 2009−2012 who were followed-up until the date of development of bronchiectasis, death, or 31 December 2018. We evaluated the incidence of bronchiectasis according to smoking status. During a mean of 7.4 years of follow-up, 23,609 (0.3%) participants developed bronchiectasis. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, ex-smokers (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03−1.13) and current-smokers (aHR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02−1.10) were associated with incident bronchiectasis, with the highest HR in ≥ 10 pack-years current smokers (aHR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06−1.16). The association of smoking with bronchiectasis was more profound in females than in males (p for interaction < 0.001), in younger than in older participants (p for interaction = 0.036), and in the overweight and obese than in the normal weight or underweight (p for interaction = 0.023). In conclusion, our study shows that smoking is associated with incident bronchiectasis in young adults. The association of smoking with bronchiectasis development was stronger in females, 20−29 year-olds, and the overweight and obese than in males, 30−40-year-olds, and the normal weight or underweight, respectively.

Bronchiectasis in Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer

Background Bronchiectasis is associated with loss of lung function, substantial use of health care resources, and increased morbidity and mortality in people with cardiopulmonary diseases. Purpose To assess the frequency and severity of bronchiectasis and related clinical findings of participants in a low-dose CT (LDCT) screening program. Materials and Methods The Early Lung and Cardiac Action Program (ELCAP) bronchiectasis score (range, 0-42; higher values indicate more severe bronchiectasis) was developed to facilitate bronchiectasis assessment. This quantitative scoring system screened participants based on accumulated knowledge and improved CT imaging capabilities. Secondary review of LDCT studies from smokers aged 40-90 years was performed when they were initially enrolled in the prospective Mount Sinai ELCAP screening study between 2010 and 2019. Medical records were reviewed to identify associated respiratory symptoms and acute respiratory events during the 2 years after LDCT. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with bronchiectasis. Results LDCT studies of 2191 screening participants (mean age, 65 years ± 9; 1140 [52%] women) were obtained, and bronchiectasis was identified in 504 (23%) participants. Median ELCAP bronchiectasis score was 12 (interquartile range, 9-16). Bronchiectasis was most common in the lower lobes for all participants, and lower lobe prevalence was greater with higher ELCAP score (eg, 91% prevalence with an ELCAP score of 16-42). In the fourth quartile, however, midlung involvement was higher compared with lower lung involvement (128 of 131 participants [98%] vs 122 of 131 participants [93%]). Bronchiectasis was more frequent with greater age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0 per decade; 95% CI: 1.7, 2.4); being a former smoker (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.73); and having self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.88), an elevated hemidiaphragm (OR = 4; 95% CI: 2, 11), or consolidation (OR = 5; 95% CI: 3, 11). It was less frequent in overweight (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 0.9) or obese (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4, 0.8) participants. Two years after baseline LDCT, respiratory symptoms, acute respiratory events, and respiratory events that required hospitalization were more frequent with increasing severity of the ELCAP bronchiectasis score (P < .005 for all trends). Conclusion Prevalence of bronchiectasis in smokers undergoing low-dose CT screening was high, and respiratory symptoms and acute events were more frequent with increasing severity of the Early Lung and Cardiac Action Program Bronchiectasis score. © RSNA, 2022 See also the editorial by Verschakelen in this issue.

Informatic analysis of the pulmonary microecology in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis at three different stages

This study explored the impact of pulmonary microecological changes on disease progression in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (nCFB). A careful search of the NCBI BioProject database revealed the 16S rRNA-based microbiological testing results of 441 pulmonary sputum samples from patients in the relatively stable (baseline), acute exacerbation, or recovery stage. After preliminary analysis and screening, we selected 152 samples for further analyses, including determination of the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) distribution at the phylum, class, order, family and genus levels, community structure, alpha diversity, beta diversity, microbial multivariables, correlations, and community structure after the abundances of intragroup samples were averaged. The recovery group showed significant differences in pulmonary microbiological changes (P < 0.05) compared with the other groups. There were 30 differentially abundant OTUs, with 27 and 7 at the genus and phylum levels, respectively. The Chao1 value of the recovery group was comparable to that of the baseline group, and the Shannon and Simpson values of the recovery group were the highest. Rhodococcus in Actinobacteria was positively correlated with Ochrobactrum in Firmicutes. The differences in pulmonary microecological changes at different nCFB stages may serve as a biologically predictive indicator of nCFB progression.

Staphylococcus aureus in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: Prevalence and Genomic Basis of High Inoculum Beta-Lactam Resistance

Rationale The pathobiology of Staphylococcus aureus in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (nCFB) is poorly defined. When present at high density or "inoculum", some methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) can inefficiently degrade anti-Staphylococcal beta-lactam antibiotics via BlaZ penicillinases (termed, the inoculum effect). Given the high burden of organisms in bronchiectatic airways, this is particularly relevant. Objectives Drawing from a prospectively-collected biobank, we sought to understand the prevalence, natural history, potential for transmission, and antibiotic resistance profiles amongst nCFB-derived MSSA isolates. Methods All individuals attending a regional consultancy nCFB clinic with sputum collected between 1981-2017 were considered, and those with ≥1 S. aureus-positive culture comprised the cohort. Each individual's most recent biobank isolate was subjected to whole genome sequencing (including the blaZ gene), antibacterial susceptibility testing, and comparative beta-lactam testing at standard (5 x 105CFU/mL) and high (5 x 107CFU/mL) inoculum to assess for the inoculum, and pronounced inoculum effect (IE and pIE, respectively). Results Seventy-four of 209 (35.4%) individuals had ≥1 sputum sample(s) with S. aureus (68 MSSA, 6 MRSA). Those with S. aureus infection were more likely to be female. Amongst 60/74 MSSA isolates subjected to WGS, no evidence of transmission was identified, although specific MLST types were prevalent including ST-1, ST-15, ST-30, and ST-45. Antibiotic resistance was uncommon except for macrolides (~20%). Amongst the 60 MSSA, prevalence of IE and pIE, respectively, were observed to be drug specific; meropenem (0%, 0%), cefepime (3%, 5%), ceftazidime (8%, 0%), cloxacillin (12%, 0%), cefazolin (23%, 0%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (37%, 17%). The cefazolin IE associated with blaZ type A (p<0.01) and ST-30 (p<0.01), whereas the piperacillin-tazobactam IE associated with type C blaZ (p<0.001) and ST-15 (p<0.05). Conclusions S. aureus infection was common, although no evidence of transmission was apparent in our nCFB cohort. While routine susceptibility testing did not identify significant resistance, inoculum-related resistance was found to be relevant for commonly used nCFB antibiotics including cefazolin and piperacillin-tazobactam. Given previous associations between IEs and negative patient outcomes, further work is warranted to understand how this phenotype impacts nCFB disease progression.

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.

The 6-minute walk test predicts mortality in a pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria-predominant bronchiectasis cohort

Background

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition frequently associated with nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary (NTM) disease. Persons with these conditions are at increased risk of mortality. Patient reported outcome (PRO) instruments and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) have been shown to predict mortality for several lung conditions, but these measures have not been fully evaluated for bronchiectasis and NTM.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among adult patients enrolled in a natural history study of bronchiectasis at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Electronic medical records were queried for demographic, clinical, microbiologic, radiographic, and PRO instrument data: St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, and the Pulmonary Symptom Severity Score (PSSS). The study baseline date was defined as the patient’s first visit after January 1st, 2015 with a SGRQ or 6MWT completed. Follow-up was defined as the interval between the study baseline visit and date of death or December 31st, 2019. Sex-stratified Cox proportional-hazards regression was conducted to identify predictors of mortality. Separate models were run for each PRO and 6MWT measure, controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), fibrocavitary disease status, and M. abscessus infection.

Results

In multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression models, the PSSS-severity (aHR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04–1.59), the 6MWT total distance walked (aHR 0.938, 95% CI 0.896–0.981) and distance saturation product (aHR 0.930, 95% CI 0.887–0.974) independently predicted mortality. In addition, BMI was significantly predictive of mortality in all models.

Conclusions

The 6MWT and a PRO instrument capturing symptom severity are independently predictive of mortality in our cohort of bronchiectasis patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07054-6.

Developing a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea: A modified Delphi Consensus Study

Background

A diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea is necessary because the etiologies of bronchiectasis and related diseases vary significantly among different regions and ethnicities.

Methods

A modified Delphi method was used to develop expert consensus statements on a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea. Initial statements proposed by a core panel, based on international bronchiectasis guidelines, were discussed over one online meeting and two email surveys by a panel of experts (≥70% agreement).

Results

Twenty-one experts participated in the study, and 30 statements on a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis were classified as recommended, conditional, or not recommended. The expert panel agreed that 1) a standardized diagnostic bundle is useful in clinical practice, 2) diagnostic tests for specific diseases, including immunodeficiency and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, are necessary when clinically suspected, 3) initial diagnostic tests, including sputum microbiology and spirometry, are essential in all bronchiectasis patients, and 4) patients should be referred to specialized centers when rare causes such as primary ciliary dyskinesia are suspected.

Conclusion

In this Delphi survey, expert consensus statements were generated on which specific diagnostic, laboratory, microbiologic, and pulmonary function tests to obtain when managing patients with bronchiectasis in South Korea.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Although international bronchiectasis guidelines recommended screening of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) both at initial evaluation and prior to administration of macrolide treatment, data regarding NTM in bronchiectasis remain elusive.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the prevalence, species, and clinical features of NTM in adults with bronchiectasis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published before April 2020 reporting the prevalence of NTM in adults with bronchiectasis. We only included studies with bronchiectasis confirmed by computed tomography and NTM identified by mycobacteria culture or molecular methods. Random-effects meta-analysis was employed.

RESULTS

Of the 2,229 citations identified, 21 studies, including 12,454 bronchiectasis patients were included in the final meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of NTM isolation and pulmonary NTM disease were 7.7% (5.0%-11.7%) (n/N = 2,677/12,454) and 4.1% (1.4%-11.4%) (n/N = 30/559), respectively, with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 97.7%, p < 0.001 and I2 = 79.9%, p = 0.007; respectively). The prevalence of NTM isolation varied significantly among different geographical regions with the highest isolation at 50.0% (47.3%-52.7%) reported in the United States. Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium abscessus complex accounted for 66 and 16.6% of all species, respectively. Some clinical and radiological differences were noted between patients with and without the presence of NTM isolation although the results are inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneity in prevalence estimates of NTM isolation indicated that both local surveys to inform development of clinical services tailored to patients with bronchiectasis and population-based studies are needed. The clinical features associated with NTM in bronchiectasis and their incremental utility in studying the association is unknown and merits further investigation.

Impact of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis on critically ill patients in Korea: a retrospective observational study

This study investigated the impact of bronchiectasis on patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a hospital in Korea. Patients with bronchiectasis were diagnosed using results of chest computed tomography performed before ICU admission. The severity of bronchiectasis was based on the number of affected lobes, and patients with ≥ 3 bronchiectatic lobes were classified into the severe bronchiectasis group. Overall, 823 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 66.0 ± 13.9 years, and 63.4% were men. Bronchiectasis and severe bronchiectasis were present in 148 (18.0%) and 108 (13.1%) patients, respectively. The increase in the number of bronchiectatic lobes was related to the rise in ICU mortality (P for trend = 0.012) and in-hospital mortality (P for trend = 0.004). Patients with severe bronchiectasis had higher odds for 28-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.122, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.024–1.230], ICU mortality (OR 1.119, 95% CI 1.023–1.223), and in-hospital mortality (OR 1.208, 95% CI 1.092–1.337). The severe bronchiectasis group showed lower overall survival (log-rank P < 0.001), and the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.535 (95% CI 1.178–2.001). Severe bronchiectasis had a negative impact on all-cause mortality during ICU and hospital stays, resulting in a lower survival rate.

Prevalence and clinical implications of bronchiectasis in patients with overlapping asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis: a single-center prospective study

Background

As a typical “united airway” disease, asthma-chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) overlap has recently drawn more attention. Bronchiectasis is a heterogeneous disease related to a variety of diseases. Whether bronchiectasis exists and correlates with asthma-CRS patients has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of the study was to explore the presence and characteristics of bronchiectasis in patients with overlapping asthma and CRS.

Methods

This report describes a prospective study with consecutive asthma-CRS patients. The diagnosis and severity of bronchiectasis were obtained by thorax high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), the Smith radiology scale and the Bhalla scoring system. CRS severity was evaluated by paranasal sinus CT and the Lund-Mackay (LM) scoring system. The correlations between bronchiectasis and clinical data, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, peripheral blood eosinophil counts and lung function were analyzed.

Results

Seventy-two (40.91%) of 176 asthma-CRS patients were diagnosed with bronchiectasis. Asthma-CRS patients with overlapping bronchiectasis had a higher incidence rate of nasal polyps (NPs) (P = 0.004), higher LM scores (P = 0.044), higher proportion of ≥ 1 severe exacerbation of asthma in the last 12 months (P = 0.003), lower postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) % predicted (P = 0.006), and elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts (P = 0.022). Smith and Bhalla scores were shown to correlate positively with NPs and negatively with FEV₁% predicted and body mass index. Cutoff values of FEV₁% predicted ≤ 71.40%, peripheral blood eosinophil counts > 0.60 × 10⁹/L, presence of NPs, and ≥ 1 severe exacerbation of asthma in the last 12 months were shown to differentiate bronchiectasis in asthma-CRS patients.

Conclusions

Bronchiectasis commonly overlaps in asthma-CRS patients. The coexistence of bronchiectasis predicts a more severe disease subset in terms of asthma and CRS. We suggest that asthma-CRS patients with NPs, severe airflow obstruction, eosinophilic inflammation, and poor asthma control should receive HRCT for the early diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

Reduction in Expected Survival Associated With Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistically pathogenic bacteria that are found abundantly in the soil and water. Susceptible individuals exposed to NTM-containing aerosols from environmental sources may develop NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). Reported survival after NTM-PD diagnosis varies widely among existing studies. Prior work has suggested that mortality among persons with NTM-PD is primarily driven by comorbidities rather than NTM-PD.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified a cohort of patients in the Duke University Health System who were diagnosed with NTM-PD between 1996 and 2015. Hospitalizations and survival were compared among patients with NTM-PD with and without other comorbidities. Additionally, survival among patients with NTM-PD was compared with standardized mortality data for a similar cohort of the general population.

RESULTS

Patients with NTM-PD without other comorbidities had 0.65 hospitalizations/1000 patient-days compared with 1.37 hospitalizations/1000 patient-days for patients with other comorbidities. Compared with a cohort of the general population, expected survival decreased by approximately 4 years for a diagnosis of NTM-PD without comorbidities and 8.6 years for a diagnosis of NTM-PD with comorbidities. Mortality 5 years after diagnosis was 25.0% and 44.9% among NTM patients without and with comorbidities, respectively, compared with 5.7% in the general-population cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

NTM-PD was associated with significant morbidity that was worse in patients with comorbidities. Patients with NTM-PD, even without comorbidities, had worse survival than expected.

Lung transplantation for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in Turkey: Initial institutional experience

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Lung transplantation is a well-established treatment in patients who have bronchiectasis with diffuse involvement, and with a progressive decline in respiratory function despite maximal medical therapy. We have aimed to present pre-transplantation factors and our results of lung transplantation for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

METHODS

Patients who underwent lung transplantation for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis between the dates of December 2016 and July 2019 were included. The patients' clinical parameters, pulmonary function tests, microbiological results, cardiac parameters, intraoperative data, and lung transplant outcomes were assessed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Bilateral lung transplantation for bronchiectasis were performed in eleven patients. The mean age was 36.5 years (range 22-57 years). There were 4 (36.4%) female patients and 7 (63.6%) male patients. All patients had a high score as per the bronchiectasis severity index (BSI). The FACED score was moderate in six patients and severe in five patients. Preoperative colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in five patients. Hospital mortality was 18.2% (2/11). The 1-year mortality was 27.2% (3/11). Eight patients were alive. The mean follow-up period of patients with survival was 28.2 months (range 13-42 months). One patient was diagnosed with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). The 3-year survival rates were 73%.

CONCLUSION

Lung transplantation for bronchiectasis with end-stage lung disease can improve the quality of life and increase survival in selected patients. Further studies are needed to identify the optimal time for lung transplantation referral due to the availability of limited data.

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.

Respiratory Mycoses in COPD and Bronchiectasis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis represent chronic airway diseases associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Bacteria and viruses are commonly implicated in acute exacerbations; however the significance of fungi in these airways remains poorly defined. While COPD and bronchiectasis remain recognized risk factors for the occurrence of Aspergillus-associated disease including chronic and invasive aspergillosis, underlying mechanisms that lead to the progression from colonization to invasive disease remain uncertain. Nonetheless, advances in molecular technologies have improved our detection, identification and understanding of resident fungi characterizing these airways. Mycobiome sequencing has revealed the complex varied and myriad profile of airway fungi in COPD and bronchiectasis, including their association with disease presentation, progression, and mortality. In this review, we outline the emerging evidence for the clinical importance of fungi in COPD and bronchiectasis, available diagnostic modalities, mycobiome sequencing approaches and association with clinical outcomes.

Trend from 2001 to 2015 in the prevalence of bronchiectasis among patients hospitalized for asthma and effect of bronchiectasis on the in-hospital mortality

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze the prevalence of bronchiectasis among patients hospitalized with asthma and to assess the effect of suffering bronchiectasis on in-hospital mortality (IHM).

METHODS

We used the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database from 2000 to 2015 to evaluate all admissions for asthma exacerbation as the main diagnosis, dividing them according to the presence or absence of associated bronchiectasis. We assessed time trends in the prevalence, clinical characteristics, length of hospital stay, costs, and IHM.

RESULTS

Of 342,644 admissions for asthma, 10,377 (3.02%) had bronchiectasis. The prevalence of bronchiectasis increased from 2.16% in 2001 to 4.47% in 2015 (p < 0.001). Compared to patients without bronchiectasis, those with bronchiectasis were more frequently women (77.06% vs. 22.94%, p < 0.001), were older (68.87 ± 15.16 vs. 47.05 ± 30.66 years, p < 0.001) and had more comorbid conditions (Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2: 9.45% vs. 6.58%, p < 0.001). Pseudomonas (8% vs. 0.66%, p < 0.001), Aspergillus (0.93% vs. 0.15%, p < 0.001), eosinophilia (0.29% vs. 0.17%, p = 0.005) and IHM (2.07% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with bronchiectasis. After multivariable adjustments, IHM was not associated with bronchiectasis. The presence of bronchiectasis was associated with a longer length of hospital stay and higher costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Admissions for asthma with bronchiectasis have increased over time in Spain. In our investigation, the presence of bronchiectasis was not associated with higher IHM, but it increased the length of hospital stay and costs.