SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Bronchiectasis”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

[A comparative study of HRCT and digital subtraction bronchography of bronchiectasis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of HRCT in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis at segmental level. METHODS: 29 cases (522 segments) with bronchiectasis doubted by clinical evaluation were selected and HRCT scan and digital subtraction bronchography (DSB) were performed. RESULTS: HRCT and DSB showed a good identity in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis. Of 92 segments diagnosed as bronchiectasis in HRCT, 84 were agreed with DSB; Of 430 segments diagnosed as no bronchiectasis by HRCT, 425 were agreed with DSB. Sensitivity of HRCT is 94%, specificity is 98%. The main HRCT findings were cylindric and cystic bronchiectasis. CONCLUSIONS: HRCT is superior to bronchography for bronchiectasis. It is the first choice of the image diagnostic modalities for the patients in whom bronchiectasis is suspected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Physical training for bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of bronchiectasis may result in the development of dyspnoea and decreased exercise tolerance, both of which can impact on a patient's quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living. There is little information regarding the benefits of physical training in bronchiectasis: however it is probable that the benefits of physical training in bronchiectasis are at least comparable to benefits demonstrated in other respiratory conditions. There is also no information regarding the effects of non-adherence to prescribed physical training in bronchiectasis. However as in patients with COPD non-adherence may contribute to a deterioration in the patient's condition and conceivably the long term prognosis. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to determine whether a prescribed regime of physical training produces improvements or prevents deterioration in physiological and clinical outcomes in bronchiectasis compared to no physical training. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group specialised register and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi randomised controlled trials in which a prescribed regime of physical training are compared to no physical training in patients with bronchiectasis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three studies were identified. One was did not meet the inclusion criteria and two appeared in abstract form only. More comprehensive data will be incorporated into this review once data from those two trials are published, and when further data is made available to the authors of this review. MAIN RESULTS: Results from the two studies published in abstract showed that inspiratory muscle training compared to sham or no inspiratory muscle training improved endurance exercise capacity: Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) 264 metres (95% CI 16.4 to 512 metres). PiMax improved: WMD 25 cms H20 (95% CI 11.6 to 38.4 cms H2O )as did quality of life measured with the CRQ: WMD 12.4 units (95% CI 2.4 to 22.5 units). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: This review only provides evidence of the benefits of inspiratory muscle training and provides no evidence of the effect of other types of physical training (including pulmonary rehabilitation) in bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis↗

PubMed2003

Short acting beta-2 agonists for bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by an abnormal and irreversible dilatation of the sub segmental airways and it may be caused by a variety of disease processes. Currently medical treatment includes physiotherapy, antibiotics and occasionally mucolytics. Many people with bronchiectasis receive bronchodilator therapy, since many people with the condition show signs of airflow obstruction and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Evidence on effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy in bronchiectasis has only recently started to be systematically studied. OBJECTIVES: The present review examined the effectiveness of short acting beta-2 agonist therapy in bronchiectasis, as this is the most frequently used treatment for airflow obstruction in people with this condition. SEARCH STRATEGY: We systematically searched four databases: CENTRAL (Issue 2, 2002); MEDLINE (1966 to September 2002); EMBASE (1980 to September 2002); and CINAHL (1982 to September 2002). We also checked bibliographies of all identified RCTs to identify potentially relevant citations. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials were considered for inclusion, whether single or double blind. The control group was placebo/no treatment or other drug/physical therapy. Participants could be children or adults diagnosed with bronchiectasis by plain-film chest radiograph, bronchography or high resolution computerized tomography. Patients were excluded if they had cystic fibrosis. Any type of short acting beta-2 agonist administered by inhalation or systemic route, used in conjunction with conventional treatment was included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: In the absence of any relevant RCTs, we were unable to extract or analyse data. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 48 articles by the search, the majority of which could be excluded on the basis of the abstract as they were not RCTs. Six articles were retrieved and were all excluded after careful consideration because they were either not RCTs or they did not deal with the question of interest. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: We failed to identify any RCTs investigating the role of short acting beta agonists in bronchiectasis. Since short acting beta-2 agonist therapy is the most frequently used treatment for airflow obstruction in bronchiectasis, there appears to be the need to investigate the effectiveness of this therapy using an RCT.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

PubMed2002

Bronchiectasis in children: orphan disease or persistent problem?

More than a decade ago, bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis was termed an "orphan disease", because it had become an uncommon clinical entity among children in the developed world. Bronchiectasis is more common among children in lower socioeconomic classes and in developing countries, presumably due to more frequent and recurrent respiratory infections, environmental airway irritants, poor immunization rates, and malnutrition. Reports from the Southern Pacific and from Alaska Native children reveal persistently high rates of childhood bronchiectasis. Better epidemiologic data throughout the world are needed to reassess the importance of this condition. The pathophysiology includes airway inflammation, mucus production, and regional airway obstruction, yet the reasons why some children develop bronchiectasis while other do not is unclear. The coexistence of asthma with bronchiectasis is associated with more severe disease, yet the impact of asthma therapy in children with both disorders has not been studied. Similarly, the pattern of antibiotic use for children with bronchiectasis varies by region with little data to justify one particular approach. It may be that public health measures aimed at improving living conditions for children and prevention of respiratory infections with antiviral vaccines will have more impact on childhood bronchiectasis than medical treatments in the future.

Bronchiectasis↗

PubMed2003

Retrospective review of children presenting with non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: HRCT features and clinical relationships.

Non cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis in children presents with a spectrum of disease severity. Our aims were to document the extent and severity of disease in children with non-CF bronchiectasis, to review the inter- and intraobserver agreement for the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features examined, and to assess correlations between HRCT features and clinical measures of severity. We performed a retrospective review of 56 children from the Starship Children's Hospital. HRCT scans were scored by a modified Bhalla system, and the chest X-rays using the Brasfield score. Scores were correlated with demographics, number of hospitalizations, disease duration, pulmonary function, clinical examination, and chronic sputum infection. The bronchiectasis seen was widespread and severe, particularly in Maori and Pacific Island children. The kappa coefficient for intraobserver agreement was better than that for interobserver agreement. Comparisons between HRCT scan and lung function parameters showed that the strongest relationships were between forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)) and forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of forced vital capacity (FEF(25-75)) with the extent of bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, and air trapping. Children with digital clubbing and chest deformity showed significantly higher scores for extent of bronchiectasis, bronchial wall dilatation and thickness, and overall computed tomography (CT) score. No relationship was demonstrated between chronic sputum infection and CT score. The HRCT score demonstrated a stronger correlation between the extent and severity of bronchiectasis, and spirometry values, than the chest X-ray score. In conclusion, pediatric non-CF bronchiectasis in Auckland is extensive and severe. The good intraobserver ratings mean that consistency of scoring is possible on repeated scans. This study cannot comment on the relationships of CT and less severe disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Pediatric bronchiectasis: correlation of HRCT, ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy, and pulmonary function testing.

Bronchiectasis in children, although occurring with diminished frequency, continues as a major challenge for the pediatric pulmonologist. The method of choice for the diagnosis of the condition is high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The aim of the present study was to correlate the relationship(s) of HRCT, lung function, ventilation lung scintigraphy (VLS), and perfusion lung scintigraphy (PLS) in children with bronchiectasis. Sixteen children ranging in age from 4-18 years with clinical and chest X-ray evidence of bronchiectasis were enrolled in the study. The degree of bronchiectasis was assessed by HRCT scores, decrease in attenuation on expiratory scans, VLS, and PLS. HRCT scores for bronchiectasis and decreased lung attenuation showed a strong correlation with PLS (rho = 0.82; P < 0.001) and with VLS (rho = 0.72; P < 0.01). There was a moderate negative correlation between FEV(1) and HRCT bronchiectasis scores (rho = -0.53; P = 0.02), decreased lung attenuation score (rho = -0.64; P = 0.007), and atelectasis score (rho = -0.54; P = 0.03). In conclusion, HRCT provides a complete and precise assessment of children with bronchiectasis. Ventilation/perfusion scans and lung functions are additive tools to understand the complexity of the disease process and to improve diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Traction bronchiectasis in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis: associated computed tomographic features and physiological significance.

Our objective was to evaluate the associated CT features and physiological consequences of traction bronchiectasis in patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA). The CT scans of 212 patients with CFA (158 men, 54 women; mean age 62.2+/-10.6 years) were evaluated independently by two observers. The extent of fibrosis, the proportions of a reticular pattern and ground-glass opacification and the extent of emphysema were scored at five levels. The predominant CT pattern, coarseness of a reticular pattern and severity of traction bronchiectasis were graded semiquantitatively. Physiological indices were correlated with CT features. There was traction bronchiectasis on CT in 202 of 212 (95%) patients. Increasingly severe traction bronchiectasis was independently associated with increasingly extensive CFA ( p<0.0005), a coarser reticular pattern ( p<0.001), a lower proportion of ground-glass opacification ( p<0.005) and less extensive emphysema ( p<0.0005). Increasingly severe traction bronchiectasis was independently related to depression of DL(CO) ( p<0.005), FVC ( p=0.02) and pO(2) ( p<0.0005), but not indices of air-flow obstruction. In CFA, traction bronchiectasis increases with more extensive disease, a lower proportion of ground-glass opacification and a coarser reticular pattern, but it decreases with concurrent emphysema. Increasingly severe traction bronchiectasis is associated with additional physiological impairment for a given extent of pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.

Bronchiectasis↗

PubMed1978

Immunological abnormalities in bronchiectasis with chronic bronchial suppuration.

Fifty-three patients with bronchiectasis (chronic bronchial suppuration) of unknown cause, in whom the chronic production of purulent sputum was the prominent clinical feature, were investigated for possible immunological abnormalities. They were compared with two control groups comprising 50 patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema and 33 patients with bronchial asthma. Forty-two patients with bronchiectasis(79%) had at least one abnormality of immunoglobulin, usually elevation of IgA, IgG or IgM. Eight patients had all three immunoglobulin levels raised and this was related to severity of disease. Similar increases in immunoglobulin levels were observed in the control groups, but the frequency and severity of these changes were significantly greater in the bronchiectasis patients. Two patients had IgA deficiency. There was a very high prevalence of rheumatoid factor (52%) and an increased prevalence of antinuclear factor (10%) in the bronchiectasis patients compared with the control groups. The presence of these autoantibodies did not correlate closely with severity of disease. Ten patients with bronchiectasis (19%) had one or more autoimmune disorders, and the association of severe bronchiectasis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and pernicious anaemia in one patient is described in detail. The immunoglobulin changes, high incidence of autoantibodies and association with autoimmune disorders raises the possibility that in some patients with bronchiectasis (chronic bronchial suppuration) of apparent unknown cause abnormal immune mechanisms may be important in causing or perpetuating the condition.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Bronchiectasis in hypogammaglobulinaemia--a computed tomography assessment.

To determine the pattern of bronchiectasis in hypogammaglobulinaemia we reviewed the CT scans of 38 hypogammaglobulinaemic patients. Twenty-two had bronchiectasis, seven had bronchial wall thickening without bronchiectasis and the remaining nine were normal. The middle lobe was the most common site of bronchiectatic involvement, followed by the lower lobes and the lingula. There were no cases of isolated upper lobe involvement. In patients who had bronchial wall thickening without bronchiectasis the middle lobe and lower lobes were again most commonly affected. It is postulated that in these hypogammaglobulinaemic patients bronchial wall thickening represents a stage of bronchial inflammation prior to the development of bronchiectasis. Patients with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) develop bronchiectasis at a significantly earlier age than those with 'common variable' hypogammaglobulinaemia (CVH) (P = 0.02). No correlation was found between the serum levels of immunoglobulin classes at diagnosis and the subsequent development of bronchiectasis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

How useful is computed tomography in the diagnosis and assessment of bronchiectasis?

A study was performed to determine the value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and assessment of cylindrical and mild varicose bronchiectasis. Fifteen patients, in whom bronchography had shown such bronchiectasis in 34 of 73 lobes that could be assessed, were examined by CT. A control group of 12 subjects in whom there was no clinical or plain radiographic suspicion of bronchiectasis was also studied. Computed tomography (CT) was considered to show bronchiectasis in 28 lobes, 27 of which were bronchiectatic as shown by bronchography. Of 45 lobes where CT was not thought to show bronchiectasis, bronchography demonstrated 38 normal and seven bronchiectatic lobes. All lobes in the control group were interpreted as normal. Using bronchography as the definitive investigation for cylindrical or mild varicose bronchiectasis, CT has a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 99% in the diagnosis of the disease. The high specificity indicates that a diagnosis of cylindrical or mild varicose bronchiectasis by CT is reliable but CT is too insensitive to be used as a screening test.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Newly diagnosed cystic fibrosis in adults: pattern and distribution of bronchiectasis in 12 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the type and distribution of bronchiectasis at computed tomography (CT) in adults with recently diagnosed cystic fibrosis. METHODS: The CT examinations of 12 consecutive patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in adulthood (six male, six female; age range at diagnosis 25-63 years) were analysed retrospectively using a modified Bhalla scoring system. Bronchiectasis was catergorized by Reid type and by location within the affected lobe (peripheral, central or mixed). RESULTS: Bronchiectasis was identified in 70 of 71 lobes. Two or more bronchopulmonary segments were involved in 67 of 71 lobes. The majority of lobes demonstrated cylindrical bronchiectasis as the predominant type (n = 51), with varicose (n = 11) and cystic (n = 8) less commonly seen. Bronchiectasis was mainly central in 16 lobes, and both central and peripheral in 54 lobes. The severity of bronchial dilatation was greatest for the upper lobes (mean score, 1.75 right, 1.58 left) compared with the middle lobe/lingula (mean score, 1.42 right, 1.17 left) and lower lobes (mean score, 1.09 right, 1.17 left). CONCLUSION: Bronchiectasis in patients with cystic fibrosis diagnosed in adulthood is usually widespread, predominantly cylindrical, and is more severe in the upper lobes. The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis should be considered in adults with 'idiopathic' bronchiectasis showing these features on CT.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Elevated levels of macrophage-stimulating protein in induced sputum of patients with bronchiectasis.

We recently showed that macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP), a serum protein homologous to hepatocyte growth factor, promotes ciliary motility by activating its receptor, RON, on the airway ciliated epithelium. To investigate the functional involvement of MSP and RON in bronchiectasis, in which mucociliary clearance (MCC) is impaired, first we examined RON expression on the bronchial ciliated epithelium of patients with bronchiectasis. We confirmed RON expression at the apical surface of bronchial ciliated epithelium of patients with bronchiectasis as well as those of normal human bronchus. Next, we examined whether MSP is present in sputum of patients with bronchiectasis and normal control subjects. By Western blotting, we found that half of the MSP in sputum is present as a biologically active alpha/beta chain heterodimer (mature MSP). In addition, we found that the MSP concentrations in sputum were significantly elevated in patients with bronchiectasis (n=8; 16.8+/-3.0 ng ml(-1)) compared with normal controls (n=9; 8.4+/-2.4 ng ml(-1); P<0.05). In contrast, the difference in concentrations of serum MSP (pro-MSP) was not significant between the two groups. These results indicate that (i) MSP is supplied to the airways and converted to a biologically active form, (ii) MSP is increased in patients with bronchiectasis compared with normal controls. Taken together, our findings suggest that increased MSP may be involved in compensation for impaired MCC in bronchiectasis.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Bronchiectasis and infection incidence in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. The value of high-resolution computed tomography].

UNLABELLED: PURPOSE of this study was to determine the prevalence of bronchiectasis in patients suffering from alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and to compare its extent with the frequency of infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: High-resolution CT examinations (HRCT) of 23 patients with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency were retrospectively assessed for extent, severity and localisation of bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening and extent of emphysema. Chest radiographs and clinical records were available for correlation. RESULTS: HRCT scans showed bronchiectasis in 14 of 23 patients, bronchial wall thickening in 3/14, and panlobular emphysema in 23/23. Chest radiographs showed bronchiectasis in 4/23 patients. Only two of 9 patients without bronchiectasis had a history of infections; all 8 patients with multiple bronchiectasis had a history of recurrent infections. CONCLUSION: Bronchiectasis is a common finding in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, and is associated with recurrent infections. HRCT is superior to chest radiography as an indicator for the risk of infection in these patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

AIDS associated bronchiectasis: CT features.

The occurrence of bronchiectasis has only rarely been noted among the protean manifestations of HIV infection in the lungs. We retrospectively identified bronchiectasis on CT scans in 12 HIV + and/or AIDS patients in the absence of either documented mycobacterial infection or a history of prior recurrent pyogenic infection. Pneumonitis was documented in 10 of 12 cases. In eight cases, bronchiectasis was associated with episodes of pyogenic infection; four of these patients also had documented opportunistic infections, including three cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Two patients had infection due solely to PCP. In two cases, bronchiectasis was found in association with one case each of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis and nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis, respectively. Although the true incidence of bronchiectasis in this population remains to be established, in our experience bronchiectasis should be considered among the varied pulmonary manifestations of HIV infection. Furthermore, the seemingly rapid development and extent of bronchiectasis in this population suggest an accelerated form of the disease.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of bronchiectasis: comparison of HRCT and spiral volumetric CT.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to ascertain the sensitivity of spiral CT for the detection of bronchiectasis in comparison with high resolution CT (HRCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with a suspected clinical diagnosis of bronchiectasis were evaluated with spiral CT (slice thickness 5 mm, pitch 1, reconstruction index 2 mm, 1 s rotation) and HRCT (1.5 mm, interval 10 mm). Analysis of the presence, type, and severity of bronchiectasis was performed for each bronchopulmonary lobe. RESULTS: In 30 patients, 177 lobes were evaluated. At HRCT 14 patients showed signs of bronchiectasis in 32 lobes. Spiral CT confirmed the presence in 29 lobes. In one lobe spiral CT was false positive. The severity score was the same in 23 lobes, in 4 lobes higher at HRCT, and in 2 lobes higher at spiral CT. Spiral CT has a high sensitivity of 91% to detect bronchiectasis with a specificity of 99.3%. Spiral CT demonstrates adequately lack of tapering of the bronchus. CONCLUSION: In patients with suspected bronchiectasis, HRCT is the method of first choice based on greater sensitivity and lower radiation dose. However, spiral CT done for other indications is a reliable method for assessment of bronchiectasis. Inability of patients to hold their breath did not prove to interfere with diagnostic reliability.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Additional coronal images using low-milliamperage multidetector-row computed tomography: effectiveness in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of additional coronal images using low-milliamperage multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis. METHODS: Helical volumetric CT scans (120 kVp, 70 mA, 2.5-mm collimation, table speed of 15 mm/s, table rotation time of 1 second) using low-milliamperage multidetector-row CT were obtained through the thorax in 110 patients who were suspected of bronchiectasis. Both axial (2.5-mm section thickness) and coronal (1.3-2.0-mm section thickness) reformatted images were made and sent to picture archiving and communication system (PACS) monitors. Two independent observers assessed CT scans twice; with axial images only and with both axial and coronal images. The detection rates of bronchiectasis were compared between readings with axial images only and with both axial and coronal images by using a nonparametric method of clustered data. Confidence grades were given to the distribution and type of bronchiectasis. RESULTS: With axial images only, the detection rates of bronchiectasis on a per-patient basis were 97% (213/220 patients, kappa = 0.888) whereas with both axial and coronal images, the detection rates were 100% (220/220 patients, kappa = 1.000) (P = 0.0001). Confidence to the distribution of bronchiectasis was greater with both axial and coronal images than with axial images only (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Additional coronal images using low-milliamperage multidetector-row CT are effective in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis by providing enhanced detection rates and confidence to the distribution of lesions.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Excessive collapsibility of bronchi in bronchiectasis: evaluation on volumetric expiratory high-resolution CT.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and severity of bronchomalacia, defined as excessive collapsibility of bronchi, in bronchiectasis; to compare the extent of air trapping in bronchiectasis patients with/without bronchomalacia; and to correlate the severity of bronchomalacia and the extent of air trapping versus pulmonary function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients with bronchiectasis evaluated by volumetric expiratory high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary function tests were studied. The presence and severity of bronchomalacia were evaluated on contiguous axial high-resolution CT images using a 4-point scale. The extent of air trapping was graded on coronal reformations using a 5-point scale. Differences in the extent of air trapping in patients with/without bronchomalacia and the correlation between the severity of bronchomalacia and the extent of air trapping were investigated. The severity of bronchomalacia and the extent of air trapping were correlated with pulmonary function. RESULTS: Of 46 patients with bronchiectasis, 32 patients (70%) had bronchomalacia. Air trapping was present in 43 patients (93%). The extent of air trapping in patients with bronchomalacia was significantly greater compared with the patients without bronchomalacia (P=0.0308). The correlation between the severity of bronchomalacia and extent of air trapping was not statistically significant (rs=0.029, P=0.8457). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of air trapping in bronchiectasis patients with bronchomalacia was significantly greater compared with bronchiectasis patients without bronchomalacia, suggesting that the bronchomalacia is one of the underlying mechanisms of air trapping in bronchiectasis.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Bacterial colonisation in patients with bronchiectasis: microbiological pattern and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to investigate the incidence, diagnostic yield of non-invasive and bronchoscopic techniques, and risk factors of airway colonisation in patients with bronchiectasis in a stable clinical situation. METHODS: A 2 year prospective study of 77 patients with bronchiectasis in a stable clinical condition was performed in an 800 bed tertiary university hospital. The interventions used were pharyngeal swabs, sputum cultures and quantitative protected specimen brush (PSB) bacterial cultures (cut off point > or =10(2) cfu/ml) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (cut off point > or =10(3) cfu/ml). RESULTS: The incidence of bronchial colonisation with potential pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) was 64%. The most frequent PPMs isolated were Haemophilus influenzae (55%) and Pseudomonas spp (26%). Resistance to antibiotics was found in 30% of the isolated pathogens. When the sample was appropriate, the operative characteristics of the sputum cultures were similar to those obtained with the PSB taken as a gold standard. Risk factors associated with bronchial colonisation by PPMs in the multivariate analysis were: (1) diagnosis of bronchiectasis before the age of 14 years (odds ratio (OR)=3.92, 95% CI 1.29 to 11.95), (2) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) <80% predicted (OR=3.91, 95% CI 1.30 to 11.78), and (3) presence of varicose or cystic bronchiectasis (OR=4.80, 95% CI 1.11 to 21.46). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically stable patients with bronchiectasis have a high prevalence of bronchial colonisation by PPMs. Sputum culture is a good alternative to bronchoscopic procedures for evaluation of this colonisation. Early diagnosis of bronchiectasis, presence of varicose-cystic bronchiectasis, and FEV1 <80% predicted appear to be risk factors for bronchial colonisation with PPMs.

Adolescent↗