The clinical impact of presence and onset time of bronchiectasis on asthmatic patients

Background: Bronchiectasis is a complex disorder that can arise from asthma and other reasons; patients with asthma and bronchiectasis have a very severe condition with different inflammatory phenotypes. Methods: Participants with a history of asthma, ranging in age from 18 to 79 years, were enrolled in this prospective cohort study at Beni-Suef University Hospital's Department of Chest Diseases. The research included 69 individuals. There were two groups of individuals that participated in the study: one with no bronchiectasis and another with asthma comorbid bronchiectasis (ACB). In addition, we divided the ACB group patients into two groups according to whether the onset of bronchiectasis came first or second, or vice versa. We collected demographic data as well as clinical details. Thoracic imaging with high resolution computed tomography(HRCT), spirometry, and sputum culture were all assessed. Results: A total of 69 patients were included. Bronchiectasis was present in 37(53.6%) patients, with 21 (56.76%) in the asthma-prior group and 16(43.24%) in the bronchiectasis-prior group. Asthmatic cases with bronchiectasis showed Lower mean of body mass index( BMI) and higher median of total leukocytic count(TLC), Band Neutrophil ,c-reactive protein(CRP) and higher percentage of klebsiella growth and lower median of all respiratory functions .The bronchiectasis prior sub group showed higher disease duration and younger age of onset And higher median of moderate and severe degree of bronchiectasis. Conclusion: The chronology of bronchiectasis emergence may reveal certain inflammatory traits and could assist in tailored treatment for asthmatic patients. Key words: Asthma; Bronchiectasis ; Comorbidity