A Prospective Study of Factors Related to Exacerbation and Mortality of Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in Hong Kong

A Prospective Study of Factors Related to Exacerbation and Mortality of Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in Hong Kong

Bronchiectasis is associated with repeated exacerbations which occurs at rates of 1.5-6.5 per patients per year, and are associated with an increased risk of admission and readmission to hospital, and high health care costs. In a local study carried out more than 10 years ago, idiopathic disease dominates and patients with bronchiectasis are mainly female with high hospitalization and mortality rates; 21.9 cases per 100,000 and 2.7 cases per 100,000 respectively. Moreover, exacerbation characterized by increases in symptoms requiring antibiotic treatment is associated with disease progression and significant mortality. Updated prevalence of this disease with the characteristics of etiology, clinical presentation and outcomes are needed to guide further management plan.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged 18 years or older
2. Clinically stable for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment (defined as no symptoms of exacerbation, no requirement for supplemental antibiotic therapy)
3. Diagnosis of bronchiectasis defined by high-resolution computed tomography scan

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of cystic fibrosis; hypogammaglobulinemia; allergic bronchopulmonary aspergilosis
2. Those who are unable to give consent