Efficacy and Safety of Bronchoscopic Local Amikacin Instillation for Acute Exacerbations of Bronchiectasis in Adults: A Multicenter, Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy and Safety of Bronchoscopic Local Amikacin Instillation for Acute Exacerbations of Bronchiectasis in Adults: A Multicenter, Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory system disease characterized by irreversible structural dilation of the bronchi, persistent cough, and alternating periods of stability and acute exacerbation during the clinical course. Although airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are widely recommended, some hospitalized patients are unable to fully participate in conventional physical therapy due to respiratory difficulties or impaired sputum clearance. Bronchoscopic airway clearance therapy (B-ACT), combined with bronchoalveolar lavage under direct bronchoscopic visualization, can remove airway secretions. Previous studies have shown that bronchoscopy-guided airway clearance therapy (B-ACT) may prolong the time from discharge to the first exacerbation. In China, there have been studies exploring the use of bronchoscopy-guided alveolar lavage combined with local application of amikacin to treat patients with bronchiectasis. This study aims to explore whether the local application of amikacin after bronchoscopy-guided saline alveolar lavage provides greater benefits for patients with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis compared to conventional treatment (non-bronchoscopy lavage) and bronchoscopy-guided saline alveolar lavage. The goal is to apply this treatment method in clinical practice to reduce the frequency of acute exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis, improve prognosis, and enhance quality of life.

All enrolled patients are in the acute exacerbation phase of bronchiectasis. A total of 186 patients with acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (1:1:1 allocation) who are willing to participate in this study and sign an informed consent form will be enrolled. The patients will be divided into three groups: Control Group A (based on routine clinical treatment, including anti-infection and expectorant therapy), Control Group B (in addition to routine use of antibacterial and expectorant medications, using bronchoscopy to wash the affected lung lobe with 180ml of saline), and Research Group C (in addition to routine use of antibacterial and expectorant medications, using bronchoscopy to wash the affected lung lobe with 180ml of saline, followed by local injection of a mixture formed by adding 2 vials of Amikacin (specification: 0.2g/2ml) to 20ml of saline into the target bronchiectasis area).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged between 18 and 80 years, inclusive.
2. According to the adult bronchiectasis guidelines, diagnosed with bronchiectasis, and indicating lesions accumulating in 2 or more lung lobes.
3. Presenting with an acute exacerbation, defined by worsening of key symptoms (e.g., cough, sputum volume, dyspnea, chest tightness, or wheezing), and willing to undergo bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
4. Patients who are alert, cooperative, and able to tolerate the bronchoscopic procedure.
5. Provided written informed consent to participate in this clinical trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of severe comorbidities or any contraindications to flexible bronchoscopy.
2. Intraoperative oxygen desaturation (SpO₂) or inability to tolerate bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) following bronchoscopic insertion.
3. Declined participation or was deemed ineligible by the investigator for other reasons.
4. Coagulopathy (platelet count < 50 × 10⁹/L) or active airway bleeding observed during bronchoscopy, posing a potential risk of exacerbation from BAL.
5. Incomplete procedural documentation or missing follow-up data.
6. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to amikacin.
7. Concurrent renal failure.
8. Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.