Bronchiectasis in China

Baseline characteristics of patients in the Chinese Bronchiectasis Registry (BE-China): a multicentre prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is a disease with a global impact, but most published data come from high-income countries. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with bronchiectasis in China.

METHODS

The Chinese Bronchiectasis Registry (BE-China) is a prospective, observational cohort enrolling patients from 111 hospitals in China. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and aetiological testing results were collected from adult patients with bronchiectasis at baseline and annual follow-up. Patients who met the inclusion criteria (age ≥18 years; received chest high-resolution CT in the past year showing bronchiectasis affecting one or more lung lobes; and clinical history consistent with bronchiectasis, including chronic cough, daily sputum production, and history of exacerbations) were included. Patients with known cystic fibrosis were excluded. To investigate variations according to different economic regions, two groups were compared based on whether per capita disposable income of residents was greater than US$5553. Clinical characteristics were compared with the European (EMBARC) registry and other national registries.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 10, 2020, and March 31, 2024, 10 324 patients from 97 centres were included in the study. Among 9501 participants with available data, the most common cause of bronchiectasis was post-infective disease (4101 [43·2%] patients), followed by idiopathic (2809 [29·6%] patients). 6676 (70·0%) of 9541 patients with available data had at least one exacerbation in the year before enrolment and 5427 (57·2%) of 9489 patients with available data were hospitalised at least once due to exacerbations. Treatments commonly used in high-income countries, such as inhaled antibiotics and macrolides, were infrequently used in China. Implementation of airway clearance in China was scarce, with only 1177 (12·2%) of 9647 patients having used at least one method of airway clearance. Compared with upper-middle-income regions, patients from lower-middle-income regions were younger (61·0 years [SD 14·0] vs 63·9 years [14·2]) with a higher proportion of pulmonary comorbidities (521 [17·8%] of 2922 patients vs 639 [8·6%] of 7402 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 194 [6·6%] of 2922 patients vs 364 [4·9%] of 7402 patients with asthma), a higher tuberculosis burden (442 [16·0%] of 2768 patients vs 715 [10·6%] of 6733 patients), more severe radiological involvement (1160 [42·4%] of 2736 patients vs 2415 [35·4%] of 6816 patients with cystic bronchiectasis), more exacerbations (median 1·4 [IQR 0-2] in both groups; mean 1·4 [SD 1·6] vs 1·2 [1·4] in the previous year) and hospitalisations (1662 [60·6%] of 2743 patients vs 3765 [55·8%] of 6746 patients hospitalised at least once in the previous year), and poorer quality of life (median 57·4 [IQR 53·5-63·1] vs 58·7 [54·8-64·8] assessed by the Bronchiectasis Health Questionnaire).

INTERPRETATION

The clinical characteristics of patients with bronchiectasis in China show differences compared with cohorts in Europe and India. Bronchiectasis is more severe with a higher burden of exacerbations in lower-income regions. The management of patients with bronchiectasis in China urgently needs standardisation and improvement.

FUNDING

National Natural Science Foundation of China, Innovation Program of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Program of the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, and Program of the Shanghai Shenkang Development Center.

TRANSLATION

For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

A novel nomogram for predicting postoperative pneumonia risk in patients with localized bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia is one of the most common complications after lung resection. However, there are currently no reports of postoperative pneumonia in patients with bronchiectasis.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aims to construct a new nomogram to predict the risk of postoperative pneumonia in patients with localized bronchiectasis.

DESIGN

The clinical data of patients with localized bronchiectasis from April 2012 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.

METHODS

Independent risk factors were identified through simple linear regression and multiple linear regression analysis, and a new nomogram was constructed based on independent risk factors. The validity of the nomogram was evaluated using the consistency index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration chart, and decision curve analysis chart.

RESULTS

The new nomogram prediction model included five independent risk factors: tuberculosis history, smoking history, platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and controlled nutritional status score. The area under the curve of the prediction model is 0.870 (95% CI: 0.750-0.892), showing good discrimination ability, and the probability threshold was set at 0.2013. In addition, the calibration curve shows that the nomogram has good calibration. In the decision curve, the nomogram model showed good clinical net benefit.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to construct a nomogram prediction model for postoperative pneumonia of localized bronchiectasis, which can more accurately and directly assess the risk probability of postoperative pneumonia, and provide certain help for clinicians in prevention and treatment decisions.

Infections, autoimmunity and immunodeficiencies are the leading etiologies of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in adults from the southwest of Colombia

INTRODUCTION

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a complex medical condition with multiple etiologies, characterized by chronic productive cough and radiologic evidence of airway lumen dilation and wall thickening. Associated exacerbations and declining lung function contribute to increasing disability and mortality. There are no data about the prevalence of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis etiologies in the Colombian population.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis etiology and clinical characteristics in adults evaluated in the southwest of Colombia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, non-interventional study. Subjects diagnosed with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis were referred to by their healthcare providers and then enrolled between October 2018 and April 2021. Medical records and radiological studies were evaluated. Participants underwent laboratory tests, including complete blood count, serum immunoglobulin levels, and, in some cases, additional tests.

RESULTS

We included 161 subjects. The average age was 50 years old, and 59% were females. Bronchiectasis etiology was identified in 84.6% of the cases. Postinfectious (34.6%) and immune disorders (25.3%), represented by autoimmunity (13.6%) and immunodeficiency (11.7%), were the leading causes. Gender differences were noted in autoimmune (females: 18.8% versus males: 6.1%, p = 0.021) and immunodeficiency-related bronchiectasis (males: 21.2% versus females 5.2%, p = 0.002). Immunodeficiencies-associated bronchiectases were more frequent in subjects under 50 years of age, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated bronchiectases were common in subjects over 50 years of age.

DISCUSSION

The etiologies of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in Colombia are diverse, exhibiting notable differences from other global regions. Serum immunoglobulin levels and clinical immunologist consultation should be prioritized in diagnosing patients with unclear bronchiectasis etiology, particularly those with recurrent sinopulmonary infections.

Artificial Intelligence Unveils the Unseen: Mapping Novel Lung Patterns in Bronchiectasis via Texture Analysis

Background and Objectives: Thin-section CT (TSCT) is currently the most sensitive imaging modality for detecting bronchiectasis. However, conventional TSCT or HRCT may overlook subtle lung involvement such as alveolar and interstitial changes. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analysis offers the potential to identify novel information on lung parenchymal involvement that is not easily detectable with traditional imaging techniques. This study aimed to assess lung involvement in patients with bronchiectasis using the Bronchiectasis Radiologically Indexed CT Score (BRICS) and AI-based quantitative lung texture analysis software (IMBIO, Version 2.2.0). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 subjects diagnosed with bronchiectasis. The BRICS severity score was used to classify the severity of bronchiectasis into four categories: Mild, Moderate, Severe, and tractional bronchiectasis. Lung texture mapping using the IMBIO AI software tool was performed to identify abnormal lung textures, specifically focusing on detecting alveolar and interstitial involvement. Results: Based on the Bronchiectasis Radiologically Indexed CT Score (BRICS), the severity of bronchiectasis was classified as Mild in 4 (8.9%) participants, Moderate in 14 (31.1%), Severe in 11 (24.4%), and tractional in 16 (35.6%). AI-based lung texture analysis using IMBIO identified significant alveolar and interstitial abnormalities, offering insights beyond conventional HRCT findings. This study revealed trends in lung hyperlucency, ground-glass opacity, reticular changes, and honeycombing across severity levels, with advanced disease stages showing more pronounced structural and vascular alterations. Elevated pulmonary vascular volume (PVV) was noted in cases with higher BRICSs, suggesting increased vascular remodeling in severe and tractional types. Conclusions: AI-based lung texture analysis provides valuable insights into lung parenchymal involvement in bronchiectasis that may not be detectable through conventional HRCT. Identifying significant alveolar and interstitial abnormalities underscores the potential impact of AI on improving the understanding of disease pathology and disease progression, and guiding future therapeutic strategies.

Risk factors for readmission within one year after acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis in a Chinese tertiary hospital: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Frequent exacerbations of bronchiectasis lead to poor quality of life, impaired lung function, and higher mortality rates. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors associated with readmission within one year due to acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (AEB).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed on 260 patients with bronchiectasis who were hospitalized in the respiratory and critical care department of a tertiary hospital in China. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors for readmission within one year.

RESULTS

Readmission within one year was found in 44.6% of 260 patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis. The risk factors associated with readmission included age over 65 years (HR = 3.66; 95% CI: 2.30 to 5.85), BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (HR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.51), respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) stay during admission (HR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.16-3.67), involvement of 3 or more lobes on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) (HR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.80), chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) colonization (HR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.54 to 3.38), and positive sputum culture results within 24 h after admission (HR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.94). Long-term oral antibiotics use after discharge was associated with decreased hazard of readmission (HR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with bronchiectasis have a high rate of readmission, which is linked to varieties of risk factors, and identifying these risk factors is importance for effectively managing patients with bronchiectasis.

Impact of Antipseudomonal Antibiotics in Patients with Bronchiectasis Who Experienced Exacerbation or Developed Pneumonia: A Nationwide Study in Japan

Background/Objectives: Although chronic infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa among patients with bronchiectasis is associated with poor prognosis, the impact of antibiotics with P. aeruginosa coverage in patients with bronchiectasis who experienced bacterial pneumonia or exacerbation of bronchiectasis has not been fully investigated. Methods: This study targeted patients with bronchiectasis who were admitted to hospitals because of bacterial pneumonia or exacerbation of bronchiectasis between April 2018 and March 2020 using a national inpatient database in Japan. The association of antipseudomonal antibiotic treatment with in-hospital mortality was assessed after propensity score matching to adjust the patients' backgrounds. Results: In total, 4943 patients with bacterial pneumonia and 1914 patients with exacerbation of bronchiectasis were included in this study. The in-hospital mortality rate did not differ between patients who did and did not receive antipseudomonal agents among patients with bacterial pneumonia (9.0% [185/2045] vs. 7.4% [151/2045]; p = 0.053) and those with exacerbation of bronchiectasis (5.2% [42/803] vs. 4.1% [33/803] group; p = 0.287). Conclusions: The use of antibiotics covering P. aeruginosa does not apparently improve prognosis in patients with bacterial pneumonia or exacerbation of bronchiectasis. A prospective study focusing on the impact of antibiotics covering P. aeruginosa among patients with bronchiectasis in whom P. aeruginosa is isolated is required.

The characteristics and prognosis of bronchiectasis patients with airflow limitation: a prospective longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

As bronchiectasis progresses, increasing degrees of airflow limitation can occur.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate whether concomitant airflow limitation was associated with poor prognosis in patients with bronchiectasis and to identify the characteristics of patients with airflow limitation in bronchiectasis.

DESIGN

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to determine the characteristics and prognosis of bronchiectasis patients with airflow limitation.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study. Patients who failed to complete the follow-up were withdrawn from the trial. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was used for diagnosing bronchiectasis, whereas postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second of the predicted value (post-FEV1%) was employed for grading airflow limitation. The main variables included questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests, laboratory tests, and CT findings. The primary outcome was frequent exacerbations. Differences among the groups were evaluated via two-tailed Student's t test or ANOVA for continuous variables if the data were normally distributed. In the case of a nonnormal distribution, the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors and calculate the odds ratio (OR) for frequent exacerbations.

RESULTS

A total of 189 subjects with bronchiectasis were enrolled in the study, including 97 patients with airflow limitation and 92 patients without airway obstruction. Patients with airflow limitation had greater numbers of exacerbations (1.46 ± 0.83 vs. 1.76 ± 1.10 times, P = 0.013) at 12 months after enrolment and greater numbers of hospitalizations (1.10 ± 0.30 vs. 1.36 ± 0.67 times, P = 0.0016) at 24 months after enrolment. In addition, acute exacerbations lasted longer (8.69 ± 3.78 vs. 13.11 ± 14.03 days, P = 0.0171), and the total number of hospitalizations was greater (1.34 ± 0.77 vs. 1.80 ± 1.67 times, P = 0.0421) for patients with a mean follow-up duration of 32 months (Table 3). Bronchiectasis patients with airflow limitation exhibit more severe manifestations of bronchiectasis both clinically and functionally. Furthermore, the cohort of bronchiectasis patients with airflow limitation had a significantly greater infection rate than did the BE group (P = 0.0244), with a notable disparity observed in the incidence of P. aeruginosa infection (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study suggest that patients with airflow limitation are more likely to experience acute exacerbations and hospitalizations than are those without airflow limitation. Patients with bronchiectasis concomitant with airflow limitation should be identified as early as possible, and individualized treatment methods should be formulated.

Autologous transplantation of P63+ lung progenitor cells in patients with bronchiectasis: A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a progressive respiratory disease with limited treatment options, prompting the exploration of regenerative therapies. This study investigates the safety and efficacy of autologous P63+ progenitor cell transplantation in a randomized, single-blind, controlled, phase 1/2 trial. Thirty-seven patients receive bronchoscopic airway clearance (B-ACT) (n = 19) or B-ACT plus P63+ progenitor cells (n = 18). Results show that compared to the control group, the change in DLCO levels from baseline to 24 weeks post therapy is significantly higher in the cell treatment group (p value = 0.039). Furthermore, the patients in the cell treatment group demonstrate significantly reduced lung damaged area, improved SGRQ score, and ameliorated BSI and FACED scores within 4-12 weeks post therapy. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that progenitor cells with higher expression of P63 gene have better therapeutic efficacy. These findings suggest that P63+ progenitor cells may offer a promising therapeutic approach for bronchiectasis. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov(NCT03655808).

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.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa mucinous phenotypes and algUmucABD operon mutant characteristics obtained from inpatients with bronchiectasis and their correlation with acute aggravation

Objective

Although the mechanism is unclear, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection directly affects the frequency of acute exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis. The aims of this article are to analyze the genetic mutation characteristics of the algUmucABD operon in PA, isolated from hospitalized patients with bronchiectasis, and to explore independent risk factors for frequent acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis.

Methods

Based on the number of acute exacerbations that occurred in the past year, these patients with bronchiectasis were divided into those with frequent acute exacerbations (Group A) and those with non-frequent acute exacerbations (Group B). We identified the distribution of mucoid phenotypes (MPs) and alginate morphotypes (AMs) in PA, and classified them into I-IV categories based on their different AMs; otherwise, the gene mutation types (GMTs) of the algUmucABD operon were tested. Subsequently, the relationship between GMT, MP, and AM and the independent risk factors for frequent acute exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis were explored.

Results

A total of 93 patients and 75 PA strains, from January 2019 to August 2023, were included in this study. The MP and AM distributions of PA were as follows: 64 strains (85.33%) of mucoid (the AMs were 38 strains of type I, 3 strains of type II, and 23 strains of type IV) and 11 strains of non-mucoid (the AM was type III only). Mucoid PA with algU, mucA, mucB, and mucD mutations accounted for 19.61%, 74.51%, 31.37%, and 50.98%, respectively. GMT was divided into the following: mucA mutations only, mucA combined with other gene mutations, other gene mutations without mucA mutations, and without gene mutations. In 91.7% of PA with type I of AM, only mucA mutations occurred, and in both separate MP and AM, the GMT differences were statistically significant. Lastly, the number of lung lobes with bronchiectasis and the number of PA with mucA mutations only were the independent risk factors for frequent acute exacerbations.

Conclusion

The mucA mutation was primarily responsible for the mucoid of MP and type I of AM in PA, and it was also an independent risk factor for frequent exacerbations of bronchiectasis.

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.

Analysis of clinical characteristics, prognosis and influencing factors in patients with bronchiectasis-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome: A prospective study for more than five years

BACKGROUND

Considering the large population of bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in China, we aimed to conduct a thorough analysis that investigates the clinical characteristics and prognosis of bronchiectasis-COPD overlap syndrome (BCOS). Further, we aimed to explore factors associated with acute exacerbation and death in BCOS, which may be of value in its early diagnosis and intervention.

METHODS

We recruited inpatients with COPD from the second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in China in August 2016, with follow-up until March 2022. Patients in the BCOS group had to meet the criteria for diagnosing bronchiectasis. We used self-completion questionnaires, clinical records, and self-reported data as primary data collection methods. We used Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional hazard models to assess the risk of severe acute exacerbation and death for BCOS during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

A total of 875 patients were included and followed up. Patients in the BCOS group had more females, fewer smokers, lower discharge COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, lower forced vital capacity (FVC), a higher likelihood of co-occurring active tuberculosis, higher levels of eosinophils and inflammatory markers, and a higher rate of positive sputum cultures for Pseudomonas aeruginosa than patients in the COPD-only group. Patients in the acute exacerbation group (AE+) were found to have lower body mass index (BMI), more frequent acute exacerbations, higher modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea grade on admission, higher inflammatory markers, lower FVC, higher rates of using inhaled bronchodilators, and higher rates of both positive and Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive sputum cultures. Patients in the 'death' group were older, had a lower BMI, had spent longer time in the hospital, had higher mMRC dyspnoea grade and CAT scores upon admission and discharge, had higher levels of inflammatory markers, lower rates of using inhaled bronchodilators, were more likely to have a combination of pulmonary heart disease and obsolete pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as a higher rate of fungus-positive sputum cultures. Both erythrocyte sedimentation rate at baseline and Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture positivity were confirmed as independent predictors of severe acute exacerbation in multivariate analysis during the years of follow-up. Fungus culture positivity baseline blood urea nitrogen, baseline lymphocyte count, comorbidities with obsolete pulmonary tuberculosis and comorbidities with pulmonary heart disease were verified as independent predictors of death in multivariate analysis during the years of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves under survival analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in mortality between the COPD and the BCOS groups at the full one, two, and three years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BCOS present with reduced lung function, increased susceptibility to different complications, elevated blood eosinophils and inflammatory markers, and elevated rates of positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures. These distinctive markers are linked to a greater risk of severe acute exacerbations and mortality.

Medical Causes of Hospitalisation among Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Nationwide Study in Japan

PURPOSE

Although the international guidelines for managing bronchiectasis are centred on preventing the exacerbation of bronchiectasis, the medical causes of admissions to hospital among patients with bronchiectasis have not been fully investigated.

METHODS

This study targeted patients with bronchiectasis who were admitted to hospitals between April 2018 and March 2020 using the national inpatient database in Japan. The causes of hospitalisation and types of antibiotics used for hospitalised patients were recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 21,300 hospitalisations of 16,723 patients with bronchiectasis were analysed. The most common cause was respiratory diseases in 15,145 (71.1%) admissions, including bacterial pneumonia and the exacerbation of bronchiectasis in 6238 (41.2%) and 3151 (20.8%), respectively. Antipseudomonal antibiotics were used in approximately 60% of patients with bacterial pneumonia who were administered antibiotic treatments and in approximately 50% of patients with the exacerbation of bronchiectasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial pneumonia was the most frequent cause of hospitalisation, followed by the exacerbation of bronchiectasis, among patients with bronchiectasis. Physicians need to focus on the prevention of bacterial pneumonia in addition to the exacerbation of bronchiectasis in patients with bronchiectasis.

Incremental Load Respiratory Muscle Training Improves Respiratory Muscle Strength and Pulmonary Function in Children with Bronchiectasis

Methods

Participants underwent respiratory muscle training for 24 weeks. The main results were changes in respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function indices (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), forced expiratory flow 25-75% (FEF25-75%), and maximal midexpiratory flow 75/25 (MMEF75/25)) before, 12 weeks after, and 24 weeks after the intervention. The secondary outcomes were changes in the exercise load and work rate, exercise work, Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) scale, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Results

Compared with before the intervention, after 24 weeks of respiratory muscle training, the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05), while FVC, FEV1, and PEF were significantly increased (P < 0.01). FEF25-75 and MMEF75/25 values showed significant improvement compared to those before training (P < 0.05). The exercise loading, work, and exercise work rate of expiratory muscle training were significantly improved compared to those before intervention (P < 0.05). The LCQ score increased significantly (P <  0.001), and the FSS score decreased significantly (P <  0.001).

Conclusion

Incremental load respiratory muscle training effectively improved children's lung function over the long term, improved the strength of their inspiratory and expiratory muscles, and improved their quality of life.

Deciphering the microbial landscape of lower respiratory tract infections: insights from metagenomics and machine learning

Background

Lower respiratory tract infections represent prevalent ailments. Nonetheless, current comprehension of the microbial ecosystems within the lower respiratory tract remains incomplete and necessitates further comprehensive assessment. Leveraging the advancements in metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology alongside the emergence of machine learning, it is now viable to compare the attributes of lower respiratory tract microbial communities among patients across diverse age groups, diseases, and infection types.

Method

We collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 138 patients diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections and conducted mNGS to characterize the lung microbiota. Employing various machine learning algorithms, we investigated the correlation of key bacteria in patients with concurrent bronchiectasis and developed a predictive model for hospitalization duration based on these identified key bacteria.

Result

We observed variations in microbial communities across different age groups, diseases, and infection types. In the elderly group, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the highest relative abundance, followed by Corynebacterium striatum and Acinetobacter baumannii. Methylobacterium and Prevotella emerged as the dominant genera at the genus level in the younger group, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Haemophilus influenzae were prevalent species. Within the bronchiectasis group, dominant bacteria included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Significant differences in the presence of Pseudomonas phage JBD93 were noted between the bronchiectasis group and the control group. In the group with concomitant fungal infections, the most abundant genera were Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas, with Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the predominant species. Notable differences were observed in the presence of Human gammaherpesvirus 4, Human betaherpesvirus 5, Candida albicans, Aspergillus oryzae, and Aspergillus fumigatus between the group with concomitant fungal infections and the bacterial group. Machine learning algorithms were utilized to select bacteria and clinical indicators associated with hospitalization duration, confirming the excellent performance of bacteria in predicting hospitalization time.

Conclusion

Our study provided a comprehensive description of the microbial characteristics among patients with lower respiratory tract infections, offering insights from various perspectives. Additionally, we investigated the advanced predictive capability of microbial community features in determining the hospitalization duration of these patients.

Clinical significance and potential pathogenesis of VCAN in adult non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of adult non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is complex, and the relevant molecular mechanism remains ambiguous. Versican (VCAN) is a key factor in inflammation through interactions with adhesion molecules. This study constructs a stable panoramic map of mRNA, reveals the possible pathogenesis of bronchiectasis, and provides new ideas and methods for bronchiectasis.

METHODS

Peripheral blood and tissue gene expression data from patients with bronchiectasis and normal control were selected by bioinformatics analysis. The expression of VCAN in peripheral blood and bronchial tissues of bronchiectasis were obtained by transcriptome sequencing. The protein expression levels of VCAN in serums were verified by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of VCAN in co-culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and bronchial epithelial cells were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, the biological function of VCAN was detected by the transwell assay.

RESULTS

The expression of VCAN was upregulated in the bronchiectasis group by sequencing analysis (P < 0.001). The expression of VCAN in the bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B was increased in P. aeruginosa (P.a), which was co-cultured with BEAS-2B cells (P < 0.05). The concentration of VCAN protein in the serum of patients with bronchiectasis was higher than that in the normal control group (P < 0.05). Transwell experiments showed that exogenous VCAN protein induced the migration of neutrophils (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that VCAN may be involved in the development of bronchiectasis by increasing the migration of neutrophils and play an important role in bronchial pathogenesis.

COPD Assessment Test and risk of readmission in patients with bronchiectasis: a prospective cohort study

Introduction

Readmission following bronchiectasis exacerbation is a common and challenging clinical problem and few simple predictive tools exist. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is an easy-to-use questionnaire. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of CAT scores in determining the risk of readmission in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in 106 bronchiectasis patients admitted with exacerbation. All patients completed the CAT at admission and at discharge. Patients were followed-up for 12 months to collect data on readmission. The area under the curve was used to measure the predictive value of CAT at admission, CAT at discharge and change in CAT for readmission due to bronchiectasis exacerbation.

Results

46 patients were readmitted for bronchiectasis exacerbation within 12 months. High CAT at admission was an independent risk factor for readmission within 12 months in patients with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (hazard ratio 3.201, 95% CI 1.065-9.624; p<0.038) after adjustment for confounding variables. The cut-off value of CAT at admission and CAT at discharge to predict 12-month readmission in patients with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis was 23.5 (sensitivity 62.2%, specificity 83.6%) and 15.5 (sensitivity 52.2%, specificity 87.0%).

Conclusions

CAT at admission is a strong predictor of readmission in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation.

Changes in the airway microbiome in patients with bronchiectasis

This study used metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology to explore the changes of the microbial characteristics in the lower respiratory tract in patients with acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis (noncystic fibrosis) to guide clinical treatment and improve patients' quality of life and prognosis. This prospective study included 54 patients with acute exacerbation and 46 clinically stable patients admitted to the Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Center of the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2020 to July 2022. Sputum was subjected to routine microbiological tests, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were subjected to microbiological tests and mNGS of BALF before empirical antibiotic therapy. Serum inflammatory markers (white blood cell count, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein) were measured. In addition, we evaluated the pathogen of mNGS and compared the airway microbiome composition of patients with acute exacerbation and control patients. The mean age of our cohort was 56 ± 15.2 years. Eighty-nine patients had positive results by mNGS. There was a significant difference in the detection of viruses between the groups (χ2 = 6.954, P < .01). The fungal species Candida albicans, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and Aspergillus fumigatus were significantly more common in patients with acute exacerbations (χ2 = 5.98, P = .014). The bacterial species Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parahaemolyticus, Abiotrophia defectiva, and Micromonas micros were significantly more prevalent in patients with acute exacerbations (χ2 = 4.065, P = .044). The most common bacterial species isolated from the sputum and BALF samples of patients with acute exacerbation was A. baumannii. Chlamydia psittaci was found in 4 patients. In addition, of 77 patients with negative sputum culture, 66 had positive results by mNGS, demonstrating the increased sensitivity and accuracy of mNGS. Patients with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis tend to have mixed infections in the lower respiratory tract. The frequency of viruses, fungi, and Mycoplasma was higher in these patients. Our findings suggest that mNGS could be used to identify pathogenic microorganisms in these patients, increasing the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.

The hidden epidemic of post-tuberculosis bronchiectasis

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South African Thoracic Society position statement on the management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in adults: 2023

Background

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disorder that affects the lives of many South Africans. Post-tuberculosis (TB) bronchiectasis is an important complication of previous pulmonary TB and a common cause of bronchiectasis in South Africa (SA). No previous statements on the management of bronchiectasis in SA have been published.

Objectives

To provide a position statement that will act as a template for the management of adult patients with bronchiectasis in SA.

Methods

The South African Thoracic Society appointed an editorial committee to compile a position statement on the management of adult non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis in SA.

Results

A position statement addressing the management of non-CF bronchiectasis in adults in SA was compiled. This position statement covers the epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, investigations and various aspects of management of adult patients with non-CF bronchiectasis in SA.

Conclusion

Bronchiectasis has largely been a neglected lung condition, but new research has improved the outlook for patients. Collaboration between interprofessional team members in patient management is important. In SA, more research into the epidemiology of bronchiectasis, especially post-TB bronchiectasis and HIV-associated bronchiectasis, is required.

Abstract

The South African Thoracic Society mandated a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers to compile a position statement on the management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in South Africa (SA). International guidelines on the management of bronchiectasis were reviewed and used as a basis from which the current position statement was compiled. This is the first position statement on the management of adult non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in SA. A description of the epidemiology and aetiology of bronchiectasis is provided, as well as guidance on its diagnosis and management. The position statement provides guidance on the management of bronchiectasis to healthcare providers, policymakers and regulatory authorities.

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.

Clinical and genetic spectrum of primary ciliary dyskinesia in Chinese patients: a systematic review

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) represents a highly heterogenous disorder with extensive clinical and genetic patterns among populations of different geographic location and ethnic origin. However, data about Chinese patients are limited. We aimed to summarize the clinical and genetic spectrum of Chinese PCD patients based on all available literatures.

Methods

We searched Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science and Chinese databases including CNKI, SinoMed and Wanfang from 1981 to 2021, to identify articles reporting patients with PCD in China, which had included information about transmission electron microscopy and/or genetic testing.

Results

A total of 244 Chinese PCD patients in 52 articles were included. Of these patients, the mean age was 13.1 years, and 55 patients (22.5%) were diagnosed with PCD after 18 years old. Compared with patients diagnosed with PCD in childhood or infancy, patients diagnosed with PCD in adulthood had a higher prevalence of chronic wet cough, sinusitis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) isolation and radiological bronchiectasis as well as worse lung function. 25 PCD-related genes were identified in 142 patients, and DNAH5, DNAH11, CCDC39 and CCDC40 were the most frequently detected mutations. More than half of genetic variants were loss-of-function mutations, and the majority of these variants were seen only once. Correlations between PCD phenotype, genotype and ciliary ultrastructure were also evidenced.

Conclusions

Diagnostic delay and under-recognition of PCD remain a big issue in China, which contributes to progressive lung disease and PA infection indicating worse outcome. Specialist equipment and expertise are urgently required to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of PCD.

Trial registry

PROSPERO; No.: CRD42021257804; URL:www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02427-1.

Research advances and clinical management of bronchiectasis: Chinese perspective

Bronchiectasis is a debilitating chronic suppurative airway disease that confers a substantial burden globally. Despite the notable prevalence, research on bronchiectasis in mainland China remains in its infancy. Nevertheless, there has been a significant leap in the quantity and quality of research, which has contributed to the ever-improving clinical practice. A nationwide collaborative platform has been established to foster multicentre studies, which will help increase the level of evidence further. Here, we summarise the status quo of clinical management and consider the research priorities for bronchiectasis that have been published previously. We also highlight the efforts of the Chinese medical communities to outline the core tasks that need to be addressed within the next decade.

Evaluating the Effects of Heat-Clearing Traditional Chinese Medicine in Stable Bronchiectasis by a Series of N-of-1 Trials

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to study the effects of heat-clearing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the stable stage of bronchiectasis via N-of-1 trials.

METHODS

The N-of-1 trials in this study were randomized and double-blinded with crossover comparisons consisting of three pairs. Each pair was of two 4-week periods. Each patient took the individualized decoction in the experimental period and the individualized decoction was removed of heat-clearing drugs, mainly including heat-clearing and detoxifying drugs, in the control period for three weeks. After three weeks, the patients stopped taking the decoction for one week. The primary outcome was from patients' self-reporting symptoms scores on a 1-7-point Likert scale. Mixed-effects models were used to conduct statistical analysis on these N-of-1 trials.

RESULTS

Of the 21 patients enrolled, 15 completed three pairs of N-of-1 trials (71.43%). (1) Seen from the individual level, no statistical difference between the experimental decoction and the control (P > 0.05) was observed. However, 5 patients found better decoctions according to the clinical criteria. (2) As revealed by the group data of all the N-of-1 trials, the control was better than the individualized decoction in terms of symptom scores on the Likert scale (1.94 ± 0.69 versus 2.08 ± 0.68, P = 0.04, mean difference, and 95% CI: 0.19 (0.01, 0.37)) and on CAT scores (13.66 ± 6.57 versus 13.95 ± 6.97, P = 0.04, mean difference, and 95% CI: 0.86 (0.042, 1.67)), but such differences were not clinically significant. The other outcomes, such as Likert scale score of respiratory symptoms and 24-hour sputum volume, showed no statistical difference.

CONCLUSION

The experimental design of this study can make the TCM individualized treatment fully play its role and can detect the individualized tendencies according to the severity of phlegm and heat in some subjects. With the intermittent use or reduced use of heat-clearing drugs, most of the subjects, at the group level, enrolled in the series of N-of-1 trials may improve the symptoms and quality of life while saving the cost of TCM and reducing the potential side effects of heat-clearing TCM. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.goc (NCT03147443).

Decreased Systemic and Airway Sirtuin 1 Expression in Adults With Bronchiectasis

Aim: Whether accelerated aging, reflected by sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression, is implicated in bronchiectasis remains largely unknown. We sought to determine the patterns of SIRT1 and other aging markers in systemic circulation and airways and their expression levels associated with bronchiectasis severity and exacerbation.

Methods: We enrolled 132 patients with bronchiectasis and 50 healthy subjects in a prospective cohort study to profile aging markers in systemic circulation and recruited 36 patients with bronchiectasis and 32 disease controls (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or tumors) in a cross-sectional study to profile aging markers in bronchial epithelium of both large-to-medium and small airways. We profiled aging marker expression from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enumerated the positively stained cells for detection of aging marker expression in bronchial epithelium.

Results: Compared with healthy controls, the relative telomere length (median: 0.88 vs. 0.99, p = 0.009), SIRT1 (median: 0.89 vs. 0.99, p = 0.002), and Ku80 (median: 0.87 vs. 0.96, p < 0.001) expression levels were consistently lower in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells among patients with bronchiectasis and modestly discriminated patients with bronchiectasis from healthy controls. No remarkable changes in SIRT1, telomere length, or Ku70 were identified at onset of exacerbation. Within the bronchial epithelium, the percentage of positively stained cells was lower for SIRT1 (median: 25.1 vs. 57.2%, p < 0.05) and numerically lower for p16 (median: 40.0 vs. 45.1%) and p21 (median: 28.9 vs. 35.9%) in patients with bronchiectasis than in disease controls (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: SIRT1 was downregulated in systemic circulation and bronchiectatic airways, which was independent of disease severity and lung function impairment.

Bronchiectasis and inhaled tobramycin: A literature review

BACKGROUND

Inhaled antibiotics have been incorporated into contemporary European and British guidelines for bronchiectasis, yet no inhaled antibiotics have been approved in the United States or Europe for the treatment of bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is common in patients with bronchiectasis, contributing to a cycle of progressive inflammation, exacerbations, and airway remodelling.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was to identify and evaluate published studies of inhaled tobramycin solution or powder in patients with bronchiectasis and P. aeruginosa infection not associated with cystic fibrosis.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted utilising the PubMed and Cochrane databases. Studies published in the English language that reported safety and/or efficacy outcomes of inhaled tobramycin either alone or in combination with other antibiotics were included.

RESULTS

Seven clinical trials published between 1999 and 2021 were identified that met inclusion criteria. Inhaled tobramycin therapy was effective in reducing P. aeruginosa microbial density in the sputum of patients with bronchiectasis. Several studies demonstrated favourable impacts on hospitalisations, number and severity of exacerbations, and symptoms. Other studies were underpowered for these clinical outcomes or were exploratory in nature. Although tobramycin was generally well tolerated, some evidence of treatment-associated wheezing was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with bronchiectasis and chronic P. aeruginosa infection, inhaled tobramycin was effective in reducing the density of bacteria in sputum, which may be associated with additional clinical benefits. Definitive phase 3 trials of inhaled tobramycin in patients with bronchiectasis are indicated to determine clinical efficacy and long-term safety.

Altered fecal microbiome and metabolome in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Background

Emerging experimental and epidemiological evidence highlights a crucial cross-talk between the intestinal flora and the lungs, termed the “gut-lung axis”. However, the function of the gut microbiota in bronchiectasis remains undefined. In this study, we aimed to perform a multi-omics-based approach to identify the gut microbiome and metabolic profiles in patients with bronchiectasis.

Methods

Fecal samples collected from non-CF bronchiectasis patients (BE group, n = 61) and healthy volunteers (HC group, n = 37) were analyzed by 16 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. The BE group was divided into two groups based on their clinical status: acute exacerbation (AE group, n = 31) and stable phase (SP group, n = 30). Further, metabolome (lipid chromatography-mass spectrometry, LC-MS) analyses were conducted in randomly selected patients (n = 29) and healthy volunteers (n = 31).

Results

Decreased fecal microbial diversity and differential microbial and metabolic compositions were observed in bronchiectasis patients. Correlation analyses indicated associations between the differential genera and clinical parameters such as bronchiectasis severity index (BSI). Disease-associated gut microbiota was screened out, with eight genera exhibited high accuracy in distinguishing SP patients from HCs in the discovery cohort and validation cohort using a random forest model. Further correlation networks were applied to illustrate the relations connecting disease-associated genera and metabolites.

Conclusion

The study uncovered the relationships among the decreased fecal microbial diversity, differential microbial and metabolic compositions in bronchiectasis patients by performing a multi-omics-based approach. It is the first study to characterize the gut microbiome and metabolome in bronchiectasis, and to uncover the gut microbiota’s potentiality as biomarkers for bronchiectasis.

Trial registration: This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04490447.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02229-w.

The Establishment of China Bronchiectasis Registry and Research Collaboration (BE-China): Protocol of a prospective multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

Bronchiectasis is a highly heterogeneous chronic airway disease with marked geographic and ethnic variations. Most influential cohort studies to date have been performed in Europe and USA, which serve as the examples for developing a cohort study in China where there is a high burden of bronchiectasis. The Establishment of China Bronchiectasis Registry and Research Collaboration (BE-China) is designed to: (1) describe the clinical characteristics and natural history of bronchiectasis in China and identify the differences of bronchiectasis between the western countries and China; (2) identify the risk factors associated with disease progression in Chinese population; (3) elucidate the phenotype and endotype of bronchiectasis by integrating the genome, microbiome, proteome, and transcriptome with detailed clinical data; (4) facilitate large randomized controlled trials in China.

METHODS

The BE-China is an ongoing prospective, longitudinal, multi-center, observational cohort study aiming to recruit a minimum of 10,000 patients, which was initiated in January 2020 in China. Comprehensive data, including medical history, aetiological testing, lung function, microbiological profiles, radiological scores, comorbidities, mental status, and quality of life (QoL), will be collected at baseline. Patients will be followed up annually for up to 10 years to record longitudinal data on outcomes, treatment patterns and QoL. Biospecimens, if possible, will be collected and stored at - 80 °C for further research. Up to October 2021, the BE-China has enrolled 3758 patients, and collected 666 blood samples and 196 sputum samples from 91 medical centers. The study protocol has been approved by the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital ethics committee, and all collaborating centers have received approvals from their local ethics committee. All patients will be required to provide written informed consent to their participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of the BE-China will be crucial to reveal the clinical characteristics and natural history of bronchiectasis and facilitate evidence-based clinical practice in China. Trial registration Registration Number in ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03643653.

Bronchiectasis: moving from an orphan disease to an unpleasant socioeconomic burden

Bronchiectasis has received increasing attention in recent years. At the same time, studies have shown a high incidence of this disease, especially in older populations, associated with high health-related costs and economic burden. https://bit.ly/2WPfVZ7.

Prevalence of depression and its associated factors in bronchiectasis: findings from KMBARC registry

BACKGROUND

With the emergence of bronchiectasis as a common respiratory disease, epidemiological data have accumulated. However, the prevalence and impact of psychological comorbidities were not sufficiently evaluated. The present study examined the prevalence of depression and its associated factors in patients with bronchiectasis.

METHODS

This study involved a multicenter cohort of bronchiectasis patients recruited from 33 pulmonary specialist hospitals. The baseline characteristics and bronchiectasis-related factors at enrollment were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

RESULTS

Of the 810 patients enrolled in the study, 168 (20.7%) patients had relevant depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10), and only 20 (11.9%) patients had a diagnosis of depression. Significant differences were noted in the depressive symptoms with disease severity, which was assessed using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index and E-FACED (all p < 0.001). Depressive symptoms inversely correlated with quality-of-life (r = - 0.704, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with fatigue severity score (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that depression was significantly associated with the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale ≥ 2 (OR 2.960, 95% CI 1.907-4.588, p =  < 0.001) and high number of exacerbations (≥ 3) in the previous year (OR 1.596, 95% CI 1.012-2.482, p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is common, but its association with bronchiectasis was underrecognized. It negatively affected quality-of-life and presented with fatigue symptoms. Among the bronchiectasis-related factors, dyspnea and exacerbation were closely associated with depression. Therefore, active screening for depression is necessary to optimize the treatment of bronchiectasis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS), Republic of Korea (KCT0003088). The date of registration was June 19th, 2018.

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.

Heterogeneity of non-cystic-fibrosis bronchiectasis in multiethnic Singapore: A prospective cohort study at a tertiary pulmonology centre

Introduction: Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a highly heterogenous disease. We describe the clinical characteristics of NCFB patients and evaluate the performance of Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) in predicting mortality. Methods: Patients attending the bronchiectasis clinic between August 2015 and April 2020 with radiologically proven bronchiectasis on computed tomography were recruited. Clinical characteristics, spirometry, radiology, microbiology and clinical course over a median period of 2.4 years is presented. Results: A total of 168 patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. They were predominantly women (67.8%), Chinese (87.5%) and never-smokers (76.9%). Median age of diagnosis was 64 years (interquartile range 56–71) and the most common aetiology was “idiopathic” bronchiectasis (44.6%). Thirty-nine percent had normal spirometries. Compared to female patients, there were more smokers among the male patients (53.8% versus 8.5%, P<0.001) and a significantly larger proportion with post-tuberculous bronchiectasis (37.0% vs 15.8%, P=0.002). Fifty-five percent of our cohort had a history of haemoptysis. Lower body mass index, presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ever-smoker status, modified Reiff score, radiological severity and history of exacerbations were risk factors for mortality. Survival was significantly shorter in patients with severe bronchiectasis (BSI>9) compared to those with mild or moderate disease (BSI<9). The hazard ratio for severe disease (BSI>9) compared to mild disease (BSI 0–4) was 14.8 (confidence interval 1.929–114.235, P=0.01). Conclusion: The NCFB cohort in Singapore has unique characteristics with sex differences. Over half the patients had a history of haemoptysis. The BSI score is a useful predictor of mortality in our population. Keywords: Bronchiectasis, exacerbations, gender, haemoptysis, mortality, Reiff score, sex

A Series of N-of-1 Trials for Traditional Chinese Medicine Using a Bayesian Method: Study Rationale and Protocol

Background. Our previous studies showed that N-of-1 trials could reflect the individualized characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation with good feasibility, but the sensitivity was low. Therefore, this study will use hierarchical Bayesian statistical method to improve the sensitivity and applicability of N-of-1 trials of TCM. Methods/Design. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-pair crossover trial for a single subject, including 4-8 weeks of run-in period and 24 weeks of formal trial. In this study, we will recruit a total of 30 participants who are in the stable stage of bronchiectasis. The trial will be divided into three pairs (cycles), and one cycle contains two observation periods. The medications will be taken for three weeks and stopped for one week in the last week of each observation period. The order of syndrome differentiation decoction and placebo will be randomly determined. Patient self-reported symptom score (on a 7-point Likert scale) is the primary outcome. Discussion. Some confounding variables (such as TCM syndrome type and potential carryover effect of TCM) will be introduced into hierarchical Bayesian statistical method to improve the sensitivity and applicability of N-of-1 trials of TCM, and the use of prior available information (e.g., "borrowing from strength" of previous trial results) within the analysis may improve the sensitivity of the results of a series of N-of-1 trials, from both the individual and population level to study the efficacy of TCM syndrome differentiation. It is the exploration of improving the objective evaluation method of the clinical efficacy of TCM and may provide reference value for clinical trials of TCM in other chronic diseases. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04601792).

Effect of OM-85 BV on reducing bronchiectasis exacerbation in Chinese patients: the iPROBE study

Background

Bronchiectasis is characterized by recurrent infectious exacerbations. No existing data inform preventive strategy for exacerbations beyond chronic macrolides. OM-85 BV, an immunostimulant, has been shown to prevent recurrent respiratory infections. We initiated this 1-year, multi-centered, double-blind, and controlled trial to investigate the PReventive effect of OM-85 BV on Bronchiectasis Exacerbations in Chinese patients (iPROBE).

Methods

Patients with bronchiectasis aged 18 to 75 years, having at least one exacerbation in the past year, were randomized to receive, in addition to any respiratory medications, two courses of 7 mg of OM-85 BV or matching placebo (one capsule orally per day for 10 days a month) for 3 consecutive months, followed by 3 months without treatment. The primary outcomes included the number of acute infectious exacerbations and the time to first exacerbation. Secondary endpoints included patient-reported respiratory outcomes. Safety measures were also assessed.

Results

Among the 196 participants, 99 were in the OM-85 BV group and 97 in the placebo group. At week 52, the mean number of acute exacerbations per patient was equal to 0.98 and 0.75, respectively, in the two groups (P=0.14). Difference in the time to first pulmonary exacerbation was not statistically significant (P=0.11). There was no statistically significant difference in any secondary end-points. The safety profile in the two arms was good and the majority of adverse events were mild.

Conclusions

OM-85 BV did not demonstrate protection in decreasing pulmonary exacerbations of bronchiectasis in this trial performed in Chinese patients. It had good safety profile.

The clinical phenotype of bronchiectasis and its clinical guiding implications

Bronchiectasis is a chronic airway disease with abnormal and persistent bronchial dilatation caused by a variety of reasons. In recent years, numerous reports have shown that bronchiectasis is heterogeneous, the clinical characteristics of patients with different phenotypes are different, and the efficacy of a treatment regimen may vary greatly in patients with different bronchiectasis phenotypes. This paper summarizes the current clinical phenotypic classification of bronchiectasis from the perspective of etiology, microbiology, and the frequency of acute exacerbation, and cluster analysis was used to determine new clinical phenotypes and their statistical and clinical significance. Different tools for assessing disease severity yield different outcomes. This article summarizes the research progress in the above areas, hoping to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the disease.

Association of hospital admission for bronchiectasis with air pollution: A province-wide time-series study in southern China

The relation of acute fluctuations of air pollution to hospital admission for bronchiectasis remained uncertain, and large-scale studies were needed. We collected daily concentrations of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), and daily hospitalizations for bronchiectasis for 21 cities across Guangdong Province from 2013 through 2017. We examined their association using two-stage time-series analysis. Our analysis was stratified by specific sub-diagnosis, sex and age group to assess potential effect modifications. Relative risks of hospitalization for bronchiectasis were 1.060 (95%CI 1.014-1.108) for PM₁₀ at lag0-6, 1.067 (95%CI 1.020-1.116) for PM_2.5 at lag0-6, 1.038 (95%CI 1.005-1.073) for PM_coarse at lag0-6, 1.058 (95%CI 1.015-1.103) for SO₂ at lag0-4, 1.057 (95%CI 1.030-1.084) for NO₂ at lag0 and 1.055 (95%CI 1.025-1.085) for CO at lag0-6 per interquartile range increase of air pollution. Specifically, acute fluctuations of air pollution might be a risk factor for bronchiectasis patients with lower respiratory infection but not with hemoptysis. Patients aged ≥65 years, and female patients appeared to be particularly susceptible to air pollution. Acute fluctuations of air pollution, particularly PM may increase the risk of hospital admission for bronchiectasis exacerbations, especially for the patients complicated with lower respiratory infection. This study strengthens the importance of reducing adverse impact on respiratory health of air pollution to protect vulnerable populations.

Bronchiectasis with secondary pulmonary infection in a child: A case report

RATIONALE

Although bronchiectasis is conventionally considered a chronic pulmonary disease of adulthood, knowledge of pediatric bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis started to emerge. Limited information in this field is available and the management is based on expert opinion.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 8-year-old girl admitted for 7 days history of wet cough, purulent fetid sputum, shortness of breath and low-grade fever. The wet cough has presented for the past 4 years, during which she had frequent hospitalization for recurrent lower respiratory tract infections.

DIAGNOSIS

Chest high-resolution computerized tomography revealed diffuse bronchial dilations accompanied by inflammation in the bilateral lung fields. Microbiologic investigation for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

INTERVENTIONS

With a working diagnosis of bronchiectasis with secondary pulmonary infection, sensitive cefoperazone-sulbactam was administrated for 14 days with gradual improvement of clinical symptoms. Bronchoscopy washing substantially soothed the symptoms, reducing the cough and sputum volumes.

OUTCOMES

The child was discharged after 14 days, and treated on long-term prophylactic antibiotic use (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 20 mg/kg/d, ≥ 4 weeks).

LESSONS

Although bronchiectasisis are condition in childhood, the diagnosis is suspected in children with persistent wet or productive cough, and should be confirmed by a chest high-resolution computerized tomography scan. Antibiotics and airway clearance techniques represent the milestones of bronchiectasis management although there are only a few guidelines in children.

RIBRON: The spanish Online Bronchiectasis Registry. Characterization of the First 1912 Patients

INTRODUCTION

The SEPAR Spanish Bronchiectasis Registry (RIBRON) began as a platform for the collection of longitudinal data on patients with this disease. The objective of this study is to describe its operation and to analyze the characteristics of bronchiectasis patients according to sex.

METHODS

A total of 1912 adult patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 43 centers were included between February 2015 and 2019. All patients had complete data consisting of at least 79 basic required variables, controlled by an external audit.

RESULTS

Mean age was 67.6 (15.2) years; 63.9% were women. The most common symptom was productive cough (78.3%) which was mucopurulent-purulent in 45.9% of cases. The most common etiology was post-infectious (40.4%), while 18.5% were idiopathic. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated microorganism (40.4%), of which 25.6% were associated with chronic infection. The annual number of mild-to-moderate/severe exacerbations was 1.62 (1.9)/0.59 (1.3). Half of the patients (50%) presented with airflow obstruction (17% severe). The most frequent radiological localization was lower lobes. The average FACED/E-FACED/BSI values were 2.06 (1.7)/2.67 (2.2)/7.8 (4.5), respectively. Overall, 66.7% of patients were taking inhaled corticosteroids, 19.2% macrolides, and 19.5% inhaled antibiotics. Women presented a less severe profile than men in clinical and functional terms, and a similar infectious, radiological and therapeutic profile.

CONCLUSIONS

RIBRON represents an excellent map of the characteristics of bronchiectasis in our country. Two thirds of patients are women who presented lower disease severity as a specific characteristic.

The disease burden of bronchiectasis in comparison with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a national database study in Korea

Background

The prevalence and disease burden of bronchiectasis in comparison to those of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have not been well elucidated using a nationally representative database.

Methods

We compared respiratory symptoms, physical activity, quality of life, and socioeconomic status in subjects with bronchiectasis versus those with COPD or control subjects participating in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2009. Participants were classified as physician-diagnosed bronchiectasis, COPD, and control (those without COPD or bronchiectasis).

Results

The prevalence of bronchiectasis in subjects aged 40 years or older was 0.8%. Compared to COPD subjects, bronchiectasis subjects were more likely to be younger (mean 59.0 years, P<0.001), female (47.6%, P<0.001), and never-smoker (50.1%, P<0.001) and have had history of pulmonary tuberculosis (40.5%, P<0.001) and osteoporosis (19.1%, P=0.025). However, as in COPD subjects, bronchiectasis subjects had low family income (P<0.001) and the proportion of subjects working as manager/professional/office workers (6.4%, P<0.001) was smaller than that of control subjects. After adjusting for covariables, compared to control, bronchiectasis subjects but not COPD subjects were more likely to have respiratory symptoms [adjusted odds ratio (OR) =7.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.10-30.12], limitation in physical activity (adjusted OR =9.43, 95% CI: 1.06-83.79), and low family income (adjusted OR =3.61, 95% CI: 1.75-7.47).

Conclusions

The prevalence of bronchiectasis in subjects at least 40 years of age was 0.8% in Korea. Despite large number of young patients and low prevalence of smoking history, respiratory symptoms, limitation in physical activity, and low family income were significant burden in bronchiectasis subjects.

The microbiome in bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is increasing in prevalence worldwide, yet current treatments available are limited to those alleviating symptoms and reducing exacerbations. The pathogenesis of the disease and the inflammatory, infective and molecular drivers of disease progression are not fully understood, making the development of novel treatments challenging. Understanding the role bacteria play in disease progression has been enhanced by the use of next-generation sequencing techniques such as 16S rRNA sequencing. The microbiome has not been extensively studied in bronchiectasis, but existing data show lung bacterial communities dominated by Pseudomonas, Haemophilus and Streptococcus, while exhibiting intraindividual stability and large interindividual variability. Pseudomonas- and Haemophilus-dominated microbiomes have been shown to be linked to severe disease and frequent exacerbations. Studies completed to date are limited in size and do not fully represent all clinically observed disease subtypes. Further research is required to understand the microbiomes role in bronchiectasis disease progression. This review discusses recent developments and future perspectives on the lung microbiome in bronchiectasis.