The clinical characteristics of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients with positive serum tumor markers: a retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background Serum tumor markers (STM), extensively used for the diagnosis, monitoring and prognostic assessment of tumors, can be increased in some non-malignant lung diseases. To date, there is a paucity of studies regarding the clinical characteristics of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients with positive STMs. Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and indicators of bronchiectasis with positive STMs. Methods The clinical data of 377 bronchiectasis patients was retrospectively collected from January 2017 to December 2019 from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. Patients were divided into the STM negative group, the single STM positive group and the ≥2 STMs positive group according to the number of the positive STMs. The clinical characteristics are described and compared separately. The multivariate logistic regression analysis model was used to investigate the indicators regarding positive STMs. Results Patients in the ≥2 STMs positive group were older (P = 0.015), had higher mMRC scores (P < 0.001) and developed higher fever (P = 0.027). Additionally, these patients also had lower Albumin/Globulin Ratio (A/G), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PAB) (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) and higher CRP, ESR and Fbg (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Age (OR 1.022, 95%CI 1.003–1.042; P = 0.026) and the number of affected lobes (OR 1.443, 95%CI 1.233–1.690; P < 0.001) were independently associated with one and ≥ 2 positive STMs in bronchiectasis patients. Conclusion The ≥2 positive STMs are associated with a higher inflammation status and severer radiologic manifestations in bronchiectasis patients.