Pathophysiology of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents with asthma: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background The pathophysiological mechanisms by which asthma and bronchiectasis are associated are still unclear. The association of these two diseases can result in more severe symptoms and a greater number of exacerbations. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to collect evidence of the pathophysiology of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis with associated asthma in children and adolescents, aged 6–18 years old. Methods A systematic and comprehensive search will be performed using eight main databases, PubMed, PubMed PMC, BVS/BIREME, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scielo and Web of Science. Articles will be searched from the earliest available time to July 2023. The studied population will be composed of children and adolescents with asthma and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. From the data obtained, all articles found will be transferred to the Rayyan platform. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols Checklist (PRISMA P-2015). In addition, if sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Two independent reviewers will conduct the studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The outcome measures will be to analyze if non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is related to a specific inflammatory profile. Discussion A systematic review will provide better knowledge about the etiopathogenesis and causes of the association between asthma and bronchiectasis and its role in the severity and control of asthma. Identifying, selecting and critically evaluating studies on asthma and bronchiectasis, would be possible to illuminate the characteristics of children and adolescents with associated diagnoses and provide information to help individualized treatments in order to control and prevent complications. The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Systematic review registration The systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) in July 2023 (registration number CRD42023440355).