Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in Taiwan

Abstract

Introduction: Bronchiectasis exhibits substantial heterogeneity across geographic locations and includes a diverse range of aetiologies. Limited large-scale data are available for Southeast Asian countries.

Methods: This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational cohort study. Between January 2017 and June 2020, comprehensive clinical data were collected on enrolment, and 1-year follow-ups were conducted using an electronic case report form.

Results: A total of 2753 patients were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 67 years. Forty-two per cent (1150/2753) of patients were male. The mean modified Reiff score was 5.0±3.3. The proportions of bacteria, tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria cultured from sputum within 1 year of follow-up were 46% (381/829), 1% (10/829) and 24% (202/829), respectively. The most prevalent bacterial isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%). Airflow obstruction was observed in 32% of patients, and 39% used inhaled bronchodilators. A substantial proportion (57%) of the patients were prescribed mucolytics. Seventeen per cent of the patients experienced severe exacerbations within a year. One-year all-cause mortality rate was 2% (52 of 2563 patients). Female patients demonstrated more severe imaging findings than male patients (modified Reiff score, 5.2 vs 4.6, p<0.001). However, they exhibited less obstructive lung function impairment (26% vs 40%, p<0.001), experienced fewer severe exacerbations (15% vs 20%, p=0.002) and had lower mortality rates (2% vs 5%, p<0.001). The risk of severe exacerbation and mortality increased significantly among patients older than 80 years.

Conclusion: Although female patients with bronchiectasis exhibited more severe imaging findings, their prognoses were better in Taiwan. Elderly patients older than 80 years had worse prognosis.

Keywords: Bronchiectasis.