Microbiology and Treatment Outcome of Acute Exacerbation of Bronchiectasis in Hong Kong: a Prospective Study
Bronchiectasis is a common disease worldwide with a high burden on healthcare resources. In Hong Kong (HK), local microbiological and clinical data regarding acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (AEB) is lacking, in particular the frequency of pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in AEB is yet to be elucidated. A better understanding of the microbiology of AEB will provide evidence for judicious use of appropriate antibiotics in patients hospitalized for AEB to facilitate treatment and discharge. This study aims to 1. elucidate the microbiology of AEB using both traditional culture and newer molecular multiplex methods, 2. identify factors associated with PA infection, and 3. describe the management and treatment outcome of AEB in HK
• Patients admitted to participating hospital with a clinical diagnosis of acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (AEB), defined as a change in bronchiectasis treatment associated with deterioration in three or more of the following key symptoms for at least 48 hours: cough; sputum volume and/or consistency; sputum purulence; breathlessness and/or exercise tolerance; fatigue and/or malaise; or haemoptysis.
• Patients with an established diagnosis of bronchiectasis, defined as the presence of cough, shortness of breath, chronic sputum production, recurrent respiratory infection, or a combination thereof with CT thorax scan confirmation of the presence of bronchiectasis indicated by a bronchoarterial ratio of \> 1, lack of tapering, airway visibility within 1 cm of the pleural surface, or a combination thereof.