Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Inhaled Corticosteroids and Antimicrobial Compounds for Non-CF Bronchiectasis

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Inhaled Corticosteroids and Antimicrobial Compounds for Non-CF Bronchiectasis

The purpose of this study is to provide patients and their physicians with greater understanding of the risks and benefits of commonly used therapies for treatment of non-CF bronchiectasis

Non-CF bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that is closely linked to pulmonary NTM disease. Both are rare but rising in incidence and disproportionately affect the elderly and women. Therapy of non-CF bronchiectasis aims to reduce inflammation via either ICS-induced immunosuppression or antibiotic-associated immunomodulation and/or suppression of pathogenic organisms. Both strategies, pursued long-term alone or some cases concomitantly, have inherent risks, and the relative risks and benefits of these differential approaches are poorly studied to date. Ultimately, our study will provide patients and their physicians with greater understanding of the risks and benefits of these therapeutic choices.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Within Medicare data, indicated diagnosis of Bronchiectasis by a Pulmonologist (ICD-9 code 494.0 and/or 494.1)

Exclusion Criteria:

• cystic fibrosis diagnosis, HIV infection, history of organ transplant