Bronchiectasis in COPD patients

Abstract

BACKGROUNDCOPD and brochiectasis are characterized by fixed airway obstruction and chronic cough. The finding of bronchiectasis on HRCT scan in the patient with COPD may indicate the presence of more advanced airway dysfunction, frequent exacerbation and bacterial colonization.OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study to evaluate the incidence of bronchiectasis on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scanning in patients with moderate and severe COPD, and to relate this with the presence of lower airway bacterial colonization, exacerbation frequency, severity.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis study was carried out on 69 patients diagnosed with COPD. All cases were subjected to through history taking, lung function test, sputum culture, HRCT scan of the chest to diagnose bronchiectasis, All the test were performed in a stable phase.RESULTS69 COPD patients, 32 patients had moderate COPD, 37 patients had severe COPD, 33 patients (47,8%) presented with brochiectasis, (31.3%) of the patients with moderate COPD and 62.2% of the patients with severe COPD with statistically significant difference, the more severe functional impairment (FEV1⩽50%) the greater prevalence of brochiectasis, also the greater bacterial colonization and more exacerbation were associated with the presence of brochiectasis.