Insights into the clinical outcomes of bronchiectasis

Extract

We read with great interest the article by Dhar et al. [1] which, based on data from EMBARC/Respiratory Research Network, thoroughly investigated the clinical outcomes of bronchiectasis in India. The authors have identified important predictors of poor clinical outcomes, some of which represented critical therapeutic targets because these may represent treatable or preventable traits. For instance, identification of the frequent exacerbators who would benefit from intensified airway clearance, macrolide therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation may result in an improved clinical outcome. Their work may also shed light on refining the management strategy for patients with bronchiectasis in many low- and middle-income countries globally. In spite of these promising findings, there are some concerns that merit further discussion.