Bronchiectasis as co morbidity with COPD or ILD: complex interactions and severe consequences

Abstract

Abstract Background Bronchiectasis is a chronic pulmonary disease characterized by widened, malformed bronchi, with profuse expectoration and impaired quality of life. COPD and ILD are common co-morbidities with bronchiectasis. Methods The present study evaluated the clinical, laboratory& radiological characteristics of COPD and ILD with/without bronchiectasis. A hospital-based, retrospective study was conducted for 1 year. Results A total of 101 patients were analyzed, 60 patients had COPD, 34 had ILD and 7 patients had bronchiectasis without COPD or ILD. It was noticed that, out of the analyzed 60 COPD patients, 10 patients developed bronchiectasis (16.7%) versus10 patients of 34 ILD patients (29.4%). In COPD and ILD accompanied by bronchiectasis, the incidence of hemoptysis was significantly higher in comparison to those without bronchiectasis. Moreover, they showed a significant increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) in comparison to those without bronchiectasis, as well as in comparison to bronchiectasis only. Sputum culture revealed that COPD with bronchiectasis were significantly associated with Staphlococcus aureus (77.8%), more than ILD with Bronchiectasis (33.3%). While S. pneumoniae were more evident in cases of ILD with bronchiectasis (22.2%). The bilateral, peripheral bronchiectasis was more common than the unilateral, central bronchiectasis among cases of COPD with bronchiectasis followed by ILD with bronchiectasis more than bronchiectasis only. Conclusion Patients with COPD /ILD with bronchiectasis can be associated with serious clinical manifestations as hemoptysis. Their sputum cultures detected more positive organisms than negative in comparison to cases of bronchiectasis only. Screening of COPD and ILD patients using HRCT Scanning is a recommended preventive measure for early detection of bronchiectasis.