Chronic Cough Due to Bronchiectasis

Williams-Campbell syndrome: a rare congenital bronchiectasis

Williams-Campbell syndrome (WCS) is a rare congenital disorder characterised by the absence of cartilage in sub-segmental bronchi, leading to bronchiectasis. We report a case of a late adolescence male presenting with chronic respiratory symptoms initially misdiagnosed as asthma, later confirmed to have WCS following detailed evaluation. This case highlights the importance of considering WCS in the differential diagnosis of unexplained bronchiectasis and emphasises the role of advanced imaging techniques in its diagnosis.

GRADE-ADOLOPMENT of clinical practice guidelines and creation of clinical pathways for the primary care management of chronic respiratory conditions in Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

In Pakistan, chronic respiratory conditions contribute a large burden of morbidity and mortality. A major reason for this is the lack of availability of local evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (EBCPGs) in Pakistan, particularly at the primary care level. Thus, we developed EBCPGs and created clinical diagnosis and referral pathways for the primary care management of chronic respiratory conditions in Pakistan.

METHODS

The source guidelines were selected by two local expert pulmonologists after a thorough literature review on PubMed and Google Scholar from 2010 to December 2021. The source guidelines covered idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, and bronchiectasis. The GRADE-ADOLOPMENT process consists of three key elements: adoption (using recommendations as is or with minor changes), adaptation (effective context-specific changes to recommendations) or additions (including new recommendations to fill a gap in the EBCPG). We employed the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT process to adopt, adapt, adopt with minor changes, or exclude recommendations from a source guideline. Additional recommendations were added to the clinical pathways based on a best-evidence review process.

RESULTS

46 recommendations were excluded mainly due to the unavailability of recommended management in Pakistan and scope beyond the practice of general physicians. Clinical diagnosis and referral pathways were designed for the four chronic respiratory conditions, explicitly delineating the role of primary care practitioners in the diagnosis, basic management, and timely referral of patients. Across the four conditions, 18 recommendations were added (seven for IPF, three for bronchiectasis, four for COPD, and four for asthma).

CONCLUSION

The widespread use of the newly created EBCPGs and clinical pathways in the primary healthcare system of Pakistan can help alleviate the morbidity and mortality related to chronic respiratory conditions disease in the country.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Chronic Respiratory Infections: A Narrative Review in Adult and Pediatric Population

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) comprises different diseases characterized by abnormal respiratory patterns during sleep including obstructive sleep apnea. SDB prevalence and impact in patients with chronic respiratory infections have been only marginally studied. The purpose of this narrative review is to report the prevalence and impact of SDB in chronic respiratory infections, including cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis and mycobacterial infections, and explore the possible pathophysiological mechanisms. Common pathophysiological mechanisms, underlying SDB onset in all chronic respiratory infections, include inflammation, which plays a central role, chronic nocturnal cough and pain, excessive production of mucous plugs, presence of obstructive and/or restrictive ventilatory impairment, upper airways involvement, and comorbidities, such as alteration of nutritional status. SDB may affect about 50% of patients with bronchiectasis. The severity of the disease, e.g., patients colonized with P. aeruginosa and frequent exacerbators, as well as comorbidities, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and primary ciliary dyskinesia, may impact SDB onset. SDB may also frequently complicate the clinical course of both children and adults with CF, impacting the quality of life and disease prognosis, suggesting that their routine assessment should be incorporated into the clinical evaluation of patients from the first stages of the disease regardless of suggestive symptoms, in order to avoid late diagnosis. Finally, although the prevalence of SDB in patients with mycobacterial infections is uncertain, extrapulmonary manifestations, particularly nasopharyngeal locations, and concomitant symptoms, such as body pain and depression, may act as atypical predisposing factors for their development.

Ulcerative colitis-associated bronchiectasis: A rare extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease: A case report

RATIONALE

Inflammatory bowel disease patients may suffer from extraintestinal manifestations. Although muscles, joints, and skin are the most commonly affected, respiratory involvement is more prevalent than previously believed, and the majority of these patients have no symptoms. Although the large airways are the most frequently affected, the small airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature may also be affected.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 24-year-old nonsmoking Syrian female was referred to the pulmonary medicine clinic in December 2020 due to a chronic cough. Her cough had been present for the last year, it was described as scratchy, and produced small amounts of mucoid sputum occasionally. She denied any related wheeze, hemoptysis, weight loss, or night sweats. Multiple courses of antibiotics were prescribed by many doctors, also previous chest radiographs were reported as normal. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2012 after presentation with abdominal pain and per rectal bleeding. The diagnosis was confirmed via colonoscopy and colon biopsies, with no prior surgery. Her past medications included prednisone, mesalamine, azathioprine, and infliximab. Tests, including complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal calprotectin, and chest X-ray, were normal.

DIAGNOSIS

Ulcerative colitis-associated bronchiectasis was established through history and clinical examination beside pulmonary function test, which revealed a mild obstructive pattern, and a chest computed tomography follow-up that revealed bilateral bronchiectasis.

INTERVENTIONS

Bronchiectasis was treated with inhaled oral steroids and sputum expectoration while she continued mesalamine and azathioprine for ulcerative colitis.

OUTCOME

Cough improvement and sustained ulcerative colitis remission.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of inflammatory bowel disease pulmonary exacerbation is probably poor, as pulmonary symptoms might emerge at any moment during the illness, and are most commonly diagnosed later in life and with the disassociation of inflammatory bowel disease activity. Pulmonologists should be involved in the care of inflammatory bowel disease patients who developed lung symptoms.

A case of Kartagener's syndrome with combined aplasia of frontal and sphenoid sinuses and hypoplasia of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses

Kartagener's syndrome (KS), characterized by a triad of bronchiectasis, chronic sinusitis, and situs inversus, is a subset of an autosomal recessive hereditary disorder of primary ciliary dyskinesia. We report the case of a 35-year-old male who presented with a history of intermittent episodes of productive cough, breathlessness, and cold since childhood. High resolution computed tomography of chest revealed bronchiectatic changes, dextrocardia, and right-sided aortic arch. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed situs inversus. CT of the paranasal sinuses revealed combined aplasia of bilateral frontal and sphenoid sinus with sinusitis. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of KS was made. There was no complaint of infertility, which usually accompanies KS, even though an analysis of his seminal fluid revealed reduced count and reduced motility of sperms. The uniqueness of our case is that our patient was a male aged 35 years; besides, the third decade is an unusual age for presentation of combined aplasia/agenesis of bilateral frontal and sphenoid sinuses with hypoplasia of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. Even though these findings have been reported in children and young adults, there are very few case reports of such a presentation in adults in literature.

Williams-Campbell syndrome: an unusual presentation in an adult patient

Objective:

Williams–Campbell syndrome (WCS) is a rare congenital disorder, which leads to bronchiectasis affecting fourth to sixth order of bronchial divisions. Symptoms include cough, sputum, wheeze and recurrent pulmonary infections, classically seen in the paediatric age group with selective bronchiectasis of the mid-order bronchioles. The literature describing diagnosis of Williams–Campbell syndrome in adult population is very sparse.

Methods:

This report presents a 62-year-old female with cough, fever, dyspnea and generalized body ache. She has had multiple admissions to the hospital since her childhood due to recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Imaging findings demonstrated multiple cystic thin walled airways, compatible with bronchiectatic changes in the upper, middle and lower lobes bilaterally, bronchial wall thickening with air-fluid levels prominent in the fifth and sixth generation bronchial divisions, with normal calibre trachea and central bronchi. These radiological findings are consistent with diagnosis of Williams–Campbell syndrome, which was diagnosed after ruling out the other common causes of bronchiectasis.

Conclusion:

Williams–Campbell syndrome is a rare congenital cystic lung disease, the diagnosis of which is made by exclusion of common causes of bronchiectasis such as cystic fibrosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, tuberculosis, dyskinetic cilia syndrome and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Whenever the clinical picture is consistent with bronchiectasis, especially involving the mid-order bronchioles and recurrent pulmonary infections, it is wise to include WCS in the list of differential diagnoses, even in the adult population.

Identifying and Characterizing a Chronic Cough Cohort Through Electronic Health Records

BACKGROUND

Chronic cough (CC) of 8 weeks or more affects about 10% of adults and may lead to expensive treatments and reduced quality of life. Incomplete diagnostic coding complicates identifying CC in electronic health records (EHRs). Natural language processing (NLP) of EHR text could improve detection.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Can NLP be used to identify cough in EHRs, and to characterize adults and encounters with CC?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A Midwestern EHR system identified patients aged 18 to 85 years during 2005 to 2015. NLP was used to evaluate text notes, except prescriptions and instructions, for mentions of cough. Two physicians and a biostatistician reviewed 12 sets of 50 encounters each, with iterative refinements, until the positive predictive value for cough encounters exceeded 90%. NLP, International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, or medication was used to identify cough. Three encounters spanning 56 to 120 days defined CC. Descriptive statistics summarized patients and encounters, including referrals.

RESULTS

Optimizing NLP required identifying and eliminating cough denials, instructions, and historical references. Of 235,457 cough encounters, 23% had a relevant diagnostic code or medication. Applying chronicity to cough encounters identified 23,371 patients (61% women) with CC. NLP alone identified 74% of these patients; diagnoses or medications alone identified 15%. The positive predictive value of NLP in the reviewed sample was 97%. Referrals for cough occurred for 3.0% of patients; pulmonary medicine was most common initially (64% of referrals).

LIMITATIONS

Some patients with diagnosis codes for cough, encounters at intervals greater than 4 months, or multiple acute cough episodes may have been misclassified.

INTERPRETATION

NLP successfully identified a large cohort with CC. Most patients were identified through NLP alone, rather than diagnoses or medications. NLP improved detection of patients nearly sevenfold, addressing the gap in ability to identify and characterize CC disease burden. Nearly all cases appeared to be managed in primary care. Identifying these patients is important for characterizing treatment and unmet needs.

Repeatability of the 6-min walk test in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a chronic lung disease characterized by progressive and irreversible changes of the bronchial tree. The evaluation of exercise capacity is essential to manage this disease. This study aims to determine the within-subject repeatability of two Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in adults with NCFB. NCFB. This cross-sectional observational study included 66 NCFB subjects above 18 years-old (mean of 55 ± 17 years old, 68% women). 73% of the participants presented moderate to severe clinical condition classified by Bronchiectasis Severity Index. It showed that these participants walked 16.6 m less (95%CI 3.8 to 29.4; p < 0.01) in the second 6MWT when compared to the first test, with a within-subject coefficient variation of 9.4% (95%CI 7.2-11.2%) and an intra-test reliability with a high intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.88 (95%CI 0.80-0.93). Bland-Altman plot showed an agreement regarding test repeatability, besides presented a large limit of agreement (- 85 to 116 m). Respiratory rate and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher before starting the second test. In conclusion, 6MWT seems to be reproducible in NCFB subjects and vital sign verification should be attentively checked to assess if the patient is fully recovered to perform a second test, as well as the disease severity score. Other studies on this matter should be conducted with a larger number of participants to confirm the findings of the present study.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used for Treating Cough Associated with Respiratory Conditions in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

In many developing countries, community members depend on their local flora for treating diverse ailments including those affecting the respiratory system. This is often attributed to the high cost and limited access to health care facilities. This present study focused on the documentation of plant species used against cough associated with the respiratory diseases in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State. The survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews among 100 participants. Information obtained was analyzed using different ethno-botanical indices including relative frequency of citation (RFC) and fidelity level (FL). A total of 87 plant species from 39 families, which was mostly represented by Fabaceae, were reported in the study area. Crinum jagus was the most popular plant used against cough and approximately 32% of the plants have been reported as cough remedies for the first time. However, some of the documented plants have been reported for the treatment of cough and related respiratory diseases in several countries. In terms of the life-form, trees constituted the highest proportion of the medicinal plants (37%), while leaves (36%) were the predominant plant part prescribed for cough. Decoction was the main method of preparing the plants, which were all administered orally. Approximately 63% of the plants were exclusively sourced from the wild. The current study revealed the richness and widespread use of plant species for managing cough associated with respiratory diseases in the study area. The generated inventory contributes to the expanding database of valuable plant resources with medicinal potential in Nigeria and Africa.

Diagnoses and management of adult cough: An Indian Environmental Medical Association (EMA) position paper

BACKGROUND

Cough is a common yet distressing symptom that results in significant health care costs from outpatient visits and related consultations.

OBJECTIVE

The understanding of the pathobiology of cough in recent times has undergone an evolution with Cough hypersensitivity syndrome (CHS) being suggested in most cases of dry cough. However, in the case of productive cough, ancillary mechanisms including impaired Mucociliary clearance, in addition to hypermucosecretory bronchospastic conditions of Smoker's cough, asthma-COPD overlap, bronchiectasis, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, need to be critically addressed while optimizing patient care with symptomatic therapy in outpatient settings of India.

METHODS

In this review, evidence-based graded recommendations on use of antitussives - & protussives as a Position Paper were developed based on the Level and Quality of Scientific evidence as per Agency for Health Care and Quality (AHRQ) criteria listing and Expert opinions offered by a multidisciplinary EMA panel in India.

RESULTS

Management of acute or chronic cough involves addressing common issues of environmental exposures and patient concerns before instituting supportive therapy with antitussives or bronchodilatory cough formulations containing mucoactives, anti-inflammatory, or short-acting beta-2 agonist agents.

CONCLUSION

The analyses provides a real world approach to the management of acute or chronic cough in various clinical conditions with pro- or antitussive agents while avoiding their misuse in empirical settings.

Predictors of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in Indigenous adult residents of central Australia: results of a case-control study

The human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with pulmonary inflammation. Indigenous Australians in central Australia have a very high prevalence of HTLV-1 infection and we hypothesised that this might contribute to high rates of bronchiectasis in this population. 80 Indigenous adults with confirmed bronchiectasis, each matched by age, sex and language to two controls without bronchiectasis, were recruited. Case notes and chest imaging were reviewed, HTLV-1 serology and the number of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) infected with HTLV-1 (pro-viral load (PVL)) were determined, and radiological abnormality scores were calculated. Participants were followed for a mean±sd of 1.14±0.86 years and causes of death were determined. Median (interquartile range) HTLV-1 PVL for cases was 8-fold higher than controls (cases 213.8 (19.7-3776.3) copies per 105 PBLs versus controls 26.6 (0.9-361) copies per 105 PBLs; p=0.002). Radiological abnormality scores were higher for cases with HTLV-1 PVL ≥1000 copies per 105 PBLs and no cause of bronchiectasis other than HTLV-1 infection. Major predictors of bronchiectasis were prior severe lower respiratory tract infection (adjusted OR (aOR) 17.83, 95% CI 4.51-70.49; p<0.001) and an HTLV-1 PVL ≥1000 copies per 105 PBLs (aOR 12.41, 95% CI 3.84-40.15; p<0.001). Bronchiectasis (aOR 4.27, 95% CI 2.04-8.94; p<0.001) and HTLV-1 PVL ≥1000 copies per 105 PBLs (aOR 3.69, 95% CI 1.11-12.27; p=0.033) predicted death. High HTLV-1 PVLs are associated with bronchiectasis and with more extensive radiological abnormalities, which may result from HTLV-1-mediated airway inflammation.

Contemporary management of bronchiectasis in children

Introduction: Bronchiectasis is increasingly recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It affects children of all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds and represents a far greater burden than cystic fibrosis (CF). Bronchiectasis often begins in childhood and the radiological changes can be reversed, when mild, with optimal management. As there are limited pediatric studies in this field, current treatment approaches in children are based largely upon adult and/or CF studies. The recent establishment of bronchiectasis registries will improve understanding of pediatric bronchiectasis and increase capacity for large-scale research studies in the future. Areas covered: This review summarizes the current management of bronchiectasis in children and highlights important knowledge gaps and areas for future research. Current treatment approaches are based largely on consensus guidelines from international experts in the field. Studies were identified through searching Medline via the Ovid interface and Pubmed using the search terms 'bronchiectasis' and 'children' or 'pediatric' and 'management' or 'treatments'. Expert opinion: Bronchiectasis is heterogeneous in nature and a one-size-fits-all approach has limitations. Future research should focus on advancing our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of bronchiectasis. This approach will facilitate development of targetted therapeutic interventions to slow, halt or even reverse bronchiectasis in childhood.

Bronchiectasis and cough: An old relationship in need of renewed attention

Bronchiectasis is an increasingly recognised respiratory condition with limited therapeutic options and a complex spectrum of clinical manifestations that invariably includes chronic cough. As the primary presentation of bronchiectasis in most cases, chronic cough and its mechanistic underpinnings are of central importance but remain poorly understood in this setting. Bronchiectasis is also increasingly identified as an underlying cause of chronic cough highlighting the interrelationship between the two conditions that share overlapping clinical features. Several therapeutic approaches have illustrated positive effects on bronchiectasis-associated cough, however, more focused treatment of heterogeneous cough subtypes may yield better outcomes for patients. A current challenge is the identification of bronchiectasis and cough endophenotypes that may allow improved patient stratification and more targeted therapeutic matching of the right treatment to the right patient. Here we discuss the complex disease phenotypes of bronchiectasis and their interrelationship with cough while considering current and emerging treatment options. We discuss some key cough promoters in bronchiectasis including infection, allergy and immune dysfunction.

Treating Cough Due to Non-CF and CF Bronchiectasis With Nonpharmacological Airway Clearance: CHEST Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

In bronchiectasis due to cystic fibrosis (CF) and other causes, airway clearance is one of the mainstays of management. We conducted a systematic review on airway clearance by using non-pharmacological methods as recommended by international guidelines to develop recommendations or suggestions to update the 2006 CHEST guideline on cough.

METHODS

The systematic search for evidence examined the question, "Is there evidence of clinically important treatment effects for non-pharmacological therapies in cough treatment for patients with bronchiectasis?" Populations selected were all patients with bronchiectasis due to CF or non-CF bronchiectasis. The interventions explored were the non-pharmacological airway clearance therapies. The comparison populations included those receiving standard therapy and/or placebo. Clinically important outcomes that were explored were exacerbation rates, quality of life, hospitalizations, and mortality.

RESULTS

In both CF and non-CF bronchiectasis, there were systematic reviews and overviews of systematic reviews identified. Despite these findings, there were no large randomized controlled trials that explored the impact of airway clearance on exacerbation rates, quality of life, hospitalizations, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the cough panel was not able to make recommendations, they have made consensus-based suggestions and provided direction for future studies to fill the gaps in knowledge.

Neurological and Sleep Disturbances in Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that is increasingly recognised worldwide. While other common chronic lung conditions such as chronic obstructive lung disease have been associated with cardiovascular disease, there is a paucity of data on the relationship between bronchiectasis and cardiovascular risks such as stroke and sleep disturbance. Furthermore, it is unclear whether other neuropsychological aspects are affected, such as cognition, cerebral infection, anxiety and depression. In this review, we aim to highlight neurological and sleep issues in relation to bronchiectasis and their importance to patient care.

The European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC): experiences from a successful ERS Clinical Research Collaboration

In contrast to airway diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, and rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis, there has been little research and few clinical trials in bronchiectasis. Guidelines are primarily based on expert opinion and treatment is challenging because of the heterogeneous nature of the disease. In an effort to address decades of underinvestment in bronchiectasis research, education and clinical care, the European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC) was established in 2012 as a collaborative pan-European network to bring together bronchiectasis researchers. The European Respiratory Society officially funded EMBARC in 2013 as a Clinical Research Collaboration, providing support and infrastructure to allow the project to grow. EMBARC has now established an international bronchiectasis registry that is active in more than 30 countries both within and outside Europe. Beyond the registry, the network participates in designing and facilitating clinical trials, has set international research priorities, promotes education and has participated in producing the first international bronchiectasis guidelines. This manuscript article the development, structure and achievements of EMBARC from 2012 to 2017.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS

To understand the role of Clinical Research Collaborations as the major way in which the European Respiratory Society can stimulate clinical research in different disease areasTo understand some of the key features of successful disease registriesTo review key epidemiological, clinical and translational studies of bronchiectasis contributed by the European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC) project in the past 5 yearsTo understand the key research priorities identified by EMBARC for the next 5 years.

Prevalence and incidence of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis among US adults in 2013

Bronchiectasis is an incurable pulmonary disorder that is characterized pathologically by permanent bronchial dilatation and severe bronchial inflammation and clinically by chronic productive cough and recurrent infectious exacerbations; bronchiectasis often occurs in the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is widely believed that increasing use of high-resolution computed tomography has led to a marked rise in the number of persons with diagnosed bronchiectasis in current US clinical practice; up-to-date evidence, however, is lacking. Using a retrospective cohort design and health-care claims data (2009–2013), we estimated the prevalence of bronchiectasis (noncystic fibrosis)—based on narrow case-finding criteria—to be 139 cases per 100,000 persons, to be higher among women versus men (180 vs. 95 per 100 K), and to increase substantially with age (from 7 per 100 K to 812 per 100 K aged 18–34 years and ≥75 years, respectively); annual incidence was estimated to be 29 cases per 100,000 persons. Disease prevalence based on broad case-finding criteria was estimated to be 213 cases per 100,000 persons. The findings of this study suggest that between 340,000 and 522,000 adults were receiving treatment for bronchiectasis and that 70,000 adults were newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis, in 2013 US clinical practice. The findings of this study also suggest that bronchiectasis is much more common than previously reported (annual growth rate since 2001, 8%), presumably due—at least in part—to recent advances in, and increased use of, radiologic techniques. Additional research is needed to validate the findings of this study, to identify the reasons for increased prevalence, and to promote education about bronchiectasis nationally.

Sweat test practice in pediatric pulmonology after introduction of cystic fibrosis newborn screening

The influence of the generalization of cystic fibrosis newborn screening (CFNBS) in France on sweat test (ST) prescription is unknown. In this French retrospective, descriptive, and multicenter study, we studied the indications, number, methods, and results of STs prescribed by a pediatric pulmonologist in children who had a negative CFNBS and an ST for respiratory symptoms in 2012. We included 502 children with 523 STs, performed with four different methods. The main indication was asthma (71.3 %), then chronic cough (52.4 %), atypical lower airway infections (42.2 %), and bronchiectasis (7 %). Four children had a diagnosis of CF (0.8 %), all presenting with chronic productive cough and recurrent respiratory infections.

CONCLUSION

Asthma is the most frequent indication of ST in our cohort. Because of the systematic CFNBS in France, some prescriptions should be avoided, particularly in case of severe or moderate asthma with no other associated symptom. Moreover, methods of STs often do not follow the guidelines and need standardization.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Newborn screening (NBS) has become the most frequent circumstance of the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) in France after its generalization. • The prescription of sweat test (ST) in children with respiratory symptoms who already had a negative NBS has not been studied.

WHAT IS NEW

• In children with a negative CF NBS referred to a university hospital for respiratory diseases, despite important variations of ST methods, only 4 children among 502 have been diagnosed as CF. • Despite recommendations, ST prescription should be avoided in children with moderate to severe asthma and no other associated symptom.

Causes of chronic productive cough: An approach to management

A chronic 'productive' or 'wet' cough is a common presenting complaint for patients attending the adult respiratory clinic. Most reviews and guidelines suggest that the causes of a productive cough are the same as those of a non-productive cough and as such the same diagnostic pathway should be followed. We suggest a different diagnostic approach for patients with a productive cough, focussing on the conditions that are the most likely causes of this problem. This review is intended to briefly summarise the epidemiology, clinical features, pathophysiology and treatment of a number of conditions which are often associated with chronic productive cough to aid decision making when encountering a patient with this often distressing symptom. The conditions discussed include bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis and immunodeficiency. We also propose an adult version of the paediatric diagnosis of protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) in patients with idiopathic chronic productive cough who appear to respond well to low dose macrolide therapy.

Evidence of inhaled tobramycin in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

There is currently less experience with inhaled tobramycin in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis than in cystic fibrosis (CF). Intravenous formulation and solution for inhalation (TSI) have been studied in non-CF bronchiectasis patients with chronic P. aeruginosa bronchial infection. An improvement in clinical parameters and a reduction in bacterial density have been shown with both inhaled solutions in these patients. However, further trials are needed to determine the most effective dose and administration protocol in these patients. Based on the current evidence, recommendations cannot be made regarding the use of TSI to treat exacerbations. Although no systemic toxicity has been reported in studies specifically investigating this treatment, patients with known kidney disease or ear disorders should be treated with caution. Adverse respiratory effects are reported to be more common in non-CF patients than in CF patients, who tend to be non-smokers and younger. Research is being conducted into the possibility of combining tobramycin with other antibiotics to increase its antibacterial activity. In this review we will present and discuss the published evidence regarding the use of inhaled tobramycin in non-CF bronchiectasis.

Evaluation of effects of bronchiectasis on bronchial artery diameter with multidetector computed tomography

BACKGROUND

Among patients with increased bronchial artery diameter there is a significant association between hemoptysis and bronchiectasis score. The higher score of bronchiectasis, the higher risk of hemoptysis development.

PURPOSE

To investigate the association of stages of bronchiectasis based on a computed tomography (CT) grading system, with bronchial artery diameter and hemoptysis in patients with bronchiectasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with lung pathologies other than bronchiectasis, which may cause hemoptysis, were excluded from the study. One hundred and forty-five patients who underwent contrast-enhanced thorax CT by a 64-detector CT for various indications, and who were diagnosed with bronchiectasis, were evaluated retrospectively. CT examinations were carried out by two radiologists with 9 and 4 years of experience with chest radiology, respectively. The diameters of the right and left bronchial arteries were measured 1 cm from the aortic origin and perpendicular to the vessel axis. Cases were assessed based on the Bhalla CT scoring system. The hemoptysis history of every patient was taken.

RESULTS

The diameters of the right and left bronchial arteries were significantly greater in patients with scores of 2 and 3 bronchiectasis than in patients with a score of 1. This was significantly greater in patients with a score of 3 than in patients with a score of 2 (P < 0.05). In patients with a score of 1, the right bronchial artery diameter was significantly greater than that of the left bronchial artery (P < 0.05). Right bronchial artery diameters were significantly greater than left bronchial artery diameters in score 3 patients (P < 0.05). A significant association was observed between hemoptysis and bronchiectasis in patients with increased bronchial artery diameter (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with bronchiectasis, as the stage of bronchiectasis increases, the bronchial artery diameters and the risk of hemoptysis increase. We think that in patients who are diagnosed with bronchiectasis via multidetector CT (MDCT), based on scoring with bronchial artery diameters, the risk of hemoptysis can be estimated, and early management plans can be implemented.

Common variable immunodeficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a common primary immunodeficiency characterized by a failure in B-cell differentiation with defective immunoglobulin production. Affected patients are uniquely susceptible to recurrent infection with encapsulated organisms and have an increased propensity for the development of inflammatory and autoimmune manifestations. The diagnosis of CVID is commonly delayed and the underlying cause of the disorder is not understood. Replacement antibody therapy reduces the risk of serious infections. However, optimal treatment regimens for the uncommon manifestations associated with this disease, such as granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease, require further research.

A case of Kartagener's syndrome: Importance of early diagnosis and treatment

Kartagener’s syndrome is a very rare congenital malformation comprising of a classic triad of sinusitis, situs inversus and bronchiectasis. Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a genetic disorder with manifestations present from early life and this distinguishes it from acquired mucociliary disorders. Approximately one half of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia have situs inversus and, thus are having Kartagener syndrome. We present a case of 12 year old boy with sinusitis, situs inversus and bronchiectasis. The correct diagnosis of this rare congenital autosomal recessive disorder in early life is important in the overall prognosis of the syndrome, as many of the complications can be prevented if timely management is instituted, as was done in this in this case.

Cystic fibrosis chronic rhinosinusitis: a comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Advances in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have improved pulmonary outcomes and survival. In addition, rapid developments regarding the underlying genetic and molecular basis of the disease have led to numerous novel targets for treatment. However, clinical and basic scientific research focusing on therapeutic strategies for CF-associated chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) lags behind the evidence-based approaches currently used for pulmonary disease.

METHODS

This review evaluates the available literature and provides an update concerning the pathophysiology, current treatment approaches, and future pharmaceutical tactics in the management of CRS in patients with CF.

RESULTS

Optimal medical and surgical strategies for CF CRS are lacking because of a dearth of well-performed clinical trials. Medical and surgical interventions are supported primarily by level 2 or 3 evidence and are aimed at improving clearance of mucus, infection, and inflammation. A number of novel therapeutics that target the basic defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel are currently under investigation. Ivacaftor, a corrector of the G551D mutation, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, sinonasal outcomes using this and other novel drugs are pending.

CONCLUSION

CRS is a lifelong disease in CF patients that can lead to substantial morbidity and decreased quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach will be necessary to develop consistent and evidence-based treatment paradigms.

Trends in bronchiectasis among medicare beneficiaries in the United States, 2000 to 2007

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is a potentially serious condition characterized by permanent and abnormal widening of the airways, the prevalence of which is not well described. We sought to describe the trends, associated conditions, and risk factors for bronchiectasis among adults aged ≥ 65 years.

METHODS

A 5% sample of the Medicare outpatient claims database was analyzed for bronchiectasis trends among beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years from 2000 to 2007. Bronchiectasis was identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification claim diagnosis codes for acquired bronchiectasis. Period prevalence was used to describe sex- and race/ethnicity-specific rates, and annual prevalence was used to describe trends and age-specific rates. We estimated trends using Poisson regression and odds of bronchiectasis using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2007, 22,296 people had at least one claim for bronchiectasis. The 8-year period prevalence of bronchiectasis was 1,106 cases per 100,000 people. Bronchiectasis increased by 8.7% per year. We identified an interaction between the number of thoracic CT scans and race/ethnicity; period prevalence varied by a greater degree by number of thoracic CT scans among Asians compared with whites or blacks. Among people with one CT scan, Asians had a 2.5- and 3.9-fold higher period prevalence compared with whites and blacks.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchiectasis prevalence increased significantly from 2000 to 2007 in the Medicare outpatient setting and varied by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. This increase could be due to a true increase in the condition or an increased recognition of previously undiagnosed cases.

A case of Kartagener's syndrome: Importance of early diagnosis and treatment

Kartagener's syndrome is a very rare congenital malformation comprising of a classic triad of sinusitis, situs inversus and bronchiectasis. Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a genetic disorder with manifestations present from early life and this distinguishes it from acquired mucociliary disorders. Approximately one half of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia have situs inversus and, thus are having Kartagener syndrome. We present a case of 12 year old boy with sinusitis, situs inversus and bronchiectasis. The correct diagnosis of this rare congenital autosomal recessive disorder in early life is important in the overall prognosis of the syndrome, as many of the complications can be prevented if timely management is instituted, as was done in this in this case.

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is said to be a declining problem in developed countries, although its prevalence in indigenous communities in Australia and New Zealand is among the highest reported in the world. Early childhood pneumonia and underlying conditions such as immunodeficiency and primary ciliary dyskinesia need to be considered in the aetiology. A high-resolution computerised tomography scan is the key investigation in children with a chronic wet cough in whom bronchiectasis is suspected. Regardless of the cause, the treatment of bronchiectasis is centred upon facilitating the clearance of airway secretions and the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations. This review aims to provide general paediatricians with an update on the presenting features, investigation and management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis: new approaches to diagnosis and management

Non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is a common, potentially serious, condition. Further investigations should be performed in an attempt to identify the underlying cause because it may lead to a change in therapy and have significant prognostic implications. MRI is being investigated as a radiation free alternative to high-resolution CT scan of the chest. Many of the treatment recommendations for non-CF bronchiectasis have not been studied in randomized controlled trials but have been extrapolated from the management recommendations for CF. Studies are beginning to inform decisions regarding the management of non-CF bronchiectasis, and an understanding of the best treatment options is beginning to emerge.

Williams-Campbell syndrome: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Williams-Campbell syndrome, also known as bronchomalacia, is a rare disorder characterized by a deficiency of cartilage in subsegmental bronchi, leading to distal airway collapse and bronchiectasis. There have been few reports about patients affected by saccular bronchiectasis, paracicatricial emphysema, and diminished cartilage. These are all characteristic of Williams-Campbell syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report presents a 57-year-old woman with progressive dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and fever. The clinical and laboratory examination revealed that the patient had a respiratory infection due to bronchiectasis caused by Williams-Campbell syndrome, which was undiagnosed in the patient until then.

CONCLUSION

Although a rare syndrome, when patients' signs and symptoms include recurrent respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, productive cough, and dyspnea, Williams-Campbell syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Bronchiectasis is associated with human T-lymphotropic virus 1 infection in an Indigenous Australian population

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that infection with human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) might be associated with bronchiectasis among Indigenous Australians. The present study compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of bronchiectasis in this population, according to HTLV-1 serologic status.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of Indigenous adults with bronchiectasis and known HTLV-1 serologic status admitted to Alice Springs Hospital, central Australia, from January 2000 through December 2006.

RESULTS

Among 89 Indigenous adults whose HTLV-1 serologic status was confirmed, 52 (58.4%) were HTLV-1 seropositive. Differences between HTLV-1-seropositive and HTLV-1-seronegative groups were apparent in childhood presentations and adult outcomes. Among adults, an increasing number of bronchiectatic lobes (univariable odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.03-2.20; P = .033) and the presence of ground-glass opacities at chest high-resolution computed tomography (univariable OR, 8.54; 95% CI, 1.04-70.03; P = .046) predicted HTLV-1 infection. Cor pumonale (HTLV-1-positive group, 10/52; HTLV-1-negative group, 1/37; P = .023) was more frequent among HTLV-1-seropositive adults, who also experienced a higher disease-specific mortality (univariable OR, 5.78; 95% CI, 1.17-26.75; P = .028). Only HTLV-1-seropositive patients were admitted specifically for the treatment of infected skin lesions, and this finding predicted death (multivariable OR, 6.77; 95% CI, 1.46-31.34; P = .014). Overall mortality was high; 34.2% of the cohort died at a median age of 42.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

HTLV-1 infection contributes to the risk of developing bronchiectasis and worsens outcomes among Indigenous Australians.

[Are investigations for underlying causes needed for the management of an adult patient with bronchiectasis?]

Bronchiectasis may result from various causes. Recognition of these underlying causes may lead to specific management. Focal bronchiectasis are related to luminal blockage or extrinsic narrowing. The causative factors of diffuse bronchiectasis may be suggested by the predominant distribution of the disease and associated extrapulmonary manifestations. Primary immunodeficiencies cystic fibrosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic Mycobacterium avium complex infection, and systemic diseases have to be looked for, even in patients with knowledge of a childhood respiratory infection.

Trends and burden of bronchiectasis-associated hospitalizations in the United States, 1993-2006

BACKGROUND

Current data on bronchiectasis prevalence, trends, and risk factors are lacking; such data are needed to estimate the burden of disease and for improved medical care and public health resource allocation. The objective of the present study was to estimate the trends and burden of bronchiectasis-associated hospitalizations in the United States.

METHODS

We extracted hospital discharge records containing International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes for bronchiectasis (494, 494.0, and 494.1) as any discharge diagnosis from the State Inpatient Databases from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Discharge records were extracted for 12 states with complete and continuous reporting from 1993 to 2006.

RESULTS

The average annual age-adjusted hospitalization rate from 1993 to 2006 was 16.5 hospitalizations per 100,000 population. From 1993 to 2006, the age-adjusted rate increased significantly, with an average annual percentage increase of 2.4% among men and 3.0% among women. Women and persons aged > 60 years had the highest rate of bronchiectasis-associated hospitalizations. The median cost for inpatient care was 7,827 US dollars (USD) (range, 13-543,914 USD).

CONCLUSIONS

The average annual age-adjusted rate of bronchiectasis-associated hospitalizations increased from 1993 to 2006. This study furthers the understanding of the impact of bronchiectasis and demonstrates the need for further research to identify risk factors and reasons for the increasing burden.

The spectrum of nonasthmatic inflammatory airway diseases in adults

When the airways are overwhelmed by noxious particles, gases, or microorganisms, inflammatory and immune responses occur that may cause permanent structural changes. One consequence may be an overproduction of mucus and this may overwhelm mucociliary clearance mechanisms and cause a chronic cough phlegm syndrome. The expectorated mucus is usually clear or white (mucoid) but when it becomes infected, the mucus may become purulent and have a yellow or green color. Diseases associated with chronic productive cough discussed in this article include chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and infectious and noninfectious bronchiolitis and their diagnosis and treatment.

Cough: a worldwide problem

Cough is a common and important respiratory symptom that can produce significant complications for patients and be a diagnostic challenge for physicians. An organized approach to evaluating cough begins with classifying it as acute, subacute, or chronic in duration. Acute cough lasting less than 3 weeks may indicate an acute underlying cardiorespiratory disorder but is most commonly caused by a self-limited viral upper respiratory tract infection (eg, common cold). Subacute cough lasting 3 to 8 weeks commonly has a postinfectious origin; among the causes, Bordetella pertussis infection should be included in the differential diagnosis. Chronic cough lasts longer than 8 weeks. When a patient is a nonsmoker, is not taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and has a normal or near-normal chest radiograph, chronic cough is most commonly caused by upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease alone or in combination.

Extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management

Abstract Extraintestinal manifestations occur rather frequently in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), e.g. ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The present paper provides an overview of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic process, and management of rheumatic, metabolic, dermatologic (mucocutaneous), ophthalmologic, hepatobiliary, hematologic, thromboembolic, urinary tract, pulmonary, and pancreatic extraintestinal manifestations related to IBD. Articles were identified through search of the PubMed and Embase databases, the Cochrane Library, and the web sites of the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (cut-off date October 2009). The search terms 'Crohn's disease', 'inflammatory bowel disease', or 'ulcerative colitis' were combined with the terms 'adalimumab', 'anemia', 'arthritis', 'bronchiectasis', 'bronchitis', 'cutaneous manifestations', 'erythema nodosum', 'extraintestinal manifestations', 'hyperhomocysteinemia', 'infliximab', 'iridocyclitis', 'lung disease', 'ocular manifestations', 'osteomalacia', 'pancreatitis', 'primary sclerosing cholangitis', 'renal stones', 'sulfasalazine', 'thromboembolism', and 'treatment'. The search was performed on English-language reviews, practical guidelines, letters, and editorials. Articles were selected based on their relevance, and additional papers were retrieved from their reference lists. Since some of the diseases discussed are uncommon, valid evidence of treatment was difficult to obtain, and epidemiologic data on the rarer forms of extraintestinal manifestations are scarce. However, updates on the pathophysiology and treatment regimens are given for each of these disorders. This paper offers a current review of original research papers and randomized clinical trials, if any, within the field and makes an attempt to point out practical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various extraintestinal manifestations related to IBD.