Abstract
Aims and objectives: To identify the underlying causes, radiological, microbiological and lung function profile of patients with bronchiectasis in a large cohort of adult patients.
Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients with non-CF bronchiectasis confirmed by chest HRCT. Etiology, radiology score, microbiological profile and lung function were analised.
Results: Among the 165 enrolled patients (mean age was 56.73±14; 56 % men) with bronchiectasis, the etiology was established in 58%. The most common underlying causes were post-infectious (12%), past tuberculosis (19%) and COPD related (18%). In a smaller number of cases bronchiectasis were related to immunodeficiency (2 %), asthma (4%) and rare causes (4%). More than 2 infectious exacerbations per year was observed in 72.5%. Obstructive pattern was observed in 67.8 % (with a mean FEV1% 55±26.5%). P.aeruginosa was the most common pathogen yielded in sputum cultures (17.5%) followed by S. aureus (7.3%) and H.influenzae (4.8 %). Patients with P.aeruginosa had a more long-standing disease and worse lung function. Radiological severity score was related to a worse lung function, sputum colonization with P.aeruginosa and frequent exacerbations.
Conclusion: In Republic of Moldova,”past” tuberculosis remains an important cause of bronchiectasis. P.aeruginosa is the predominant pathogen colonizing the airways contributing to the severity of the disease, while the most common lung function pattern is obstruction.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
