PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - N.G. Koulouris AU - S. Retsou AU - E. Kosmas AU - K. Dimakou AU - K. Malagari AU - G. Mantzikopoulos AU - A. Koutsoukou AU - J. Milic-Emili AU - J. Jordanoglou TI - Tidal expiratory flow limitation, dyspnoea and exercise capacity in patients with bilateral bronchiectasis AID - 10.1183/09031936.03.00301103 DP - 2003 May 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - 743--748 VI - 21 IP - 5 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/21/5/743.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/21/5/743.full SO - Eur Respir J2003 May 01; 21 AB - In this study the authors investigated whether expiratory flow limitation (FL) is present during tidal breathing in patients with bilateral bronchiectasis (BB) and whether it is related to the severity of chronic dyspnoea (Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea scale), exercise capacity (maximal mechanical power output (WRmax)) and severity of the disease, as assessed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scoring. Lung function, MRC dyspnoea, HRCT score, WRmax and FL were assessed in 23 stable caucasian patients (six males) aged 56±17 yrs. FL was assessed at rest both in seated and supine positions. To detect FL, the negative expiratory pressure (NEP) technique was used. The degree of FL was rated using a five-point FL score. WRmax was measured using a cyclo-ergometer. According to the NEP technique, five patients were FL during resting breathing when supine but not seated, four were FL both seated and supine, and 14 were NFL both seated and supine. Furthermore, it was shown that: 1) in stable BB patients FL during resting breathing is common, especially in the supine position; 2) the degree of MRC dyspnoea is closely related to the five-point FL score; 3) WRmax (% pred) is more closely correlated with the MRC dyspnoea score than with the five-point FL score; and 4) HRCT score is closely related to forced expiratory volume in one second % pred but not five-point FL score. In conclusion, flow limitation is common at rest in sitting and supine positions in patients with bilateral bronchiectasis. Flow limitation and reduced exercise capacity are both associated with more severe dyspnoea. Finally, high-resolution computed tomography scoring correlates best with forced expiratory volume in one second.