Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis

• The most common cause of bronchiectasis is cystic fibrosis

Pathogen and Exacerbation

• The most common cause of exacerbation in patients with bronchiectasis is Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Radiological Finding

• The characteristic radiological finding of bronchiectasis on high-resolution CT is dilated bronchi with thickened walls

Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis

• Genetic testing for cystic fibrosis diagnosis involves identifying mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene

Clinical Features of Bronchiectasis

• A common clinical feature of bronchiectasis is recurrent coughing with thick, purulent sputum

Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis

• The diagnostic threshold for chloride in sweat when testing for cystic fibrosis is >60 mmol/L

Antibiotic Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis

• For cystic fibrosis exacerbations lasting over 10 days, antibiotic treatment recommended is combination therapy with a β-lactam and an aminoglycoside

Treatment for MAC Infections

• The recommended treatment duration for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in cystic fibrosis patients is at least 12 months

Mucus Clearance Therapy

• Airway clearance therapy, such as chest physiotherapy, is beneficial for non-cystic fibrosis patients to promote mucus clearance

Indications for Surgery in Cystic Fibrosis

• Surgery is indicated for cystic fibrosis patients with localised bronchiectasis or lung transplantation