Three parameters have been determined as independent risk factors for the coexistence of bronchiectasis in patients with COPD.
The study included 190 patients with stable COPD, from which 87 (45.8%) were diagnosed by HRCT to have bronchiectasis.
Researchers observed that when compared to patients without bronchiectasis, COPD patients with bronchiectasis were more likely to be males. The patients also carried significant lower body mass index, higher prevalence of previous cases of tuberculosis, a longer and more severe history of dyspnea, a higher frequency of acute exacerbation, and higher serum concentrations of systemic inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen.
When assessing patients’ lung function, COPD patients with bronchiectasis showed poorly. They also showed higher positive rates for bacteria in sputum samples.
An analysis of all parameters revealed that being male, having had previous tuberculosis, and exhibiting increased levels of serum T-IgE are independent risk factors for the coexistence of bronchiectasis and COPD.
