How are radiological, spirometric and quality of life measures related to each other in cases of bronchiectasis

Background: Radiological, spirometric, and quality-of-life (QoL) measures are essential parameters influencing the prognosis of patients with bronchiectasis (BE). However, to date, few studies have evaluated these measures together. OBJECTIVE: The study objective is to assess the relationships between high resolution computed tomography, spirometric and QoL scores considered in the steady and exacerbation states of BE. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively patients who had been diagnosed with BE. Ninety-two cases were deemed eligible and completed the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). A statistical assessment looking for correlations between HCRT, spirometry and QoL questionnaires was performed. Besides, factors for the modified Bhalla score (MBS) and clinical exacerbations were evaluated. RESULTS: In the exacerbation state, patients' spirometric parameters and the domains of the SF-36 were even more strongly correlated with MBS, in particular, symptom duration, exacerbation and hospitalization rates in the previous year. Linear regression models for the steady and exacerbation state revealed SF-36 domains, forced expiratory volume in 1 s predicted and symptom duration were more related to MBS. In addition, the exacerbation rate was related to the domains of the SF-36, MBS and hospitalization within the previous year in both the steady and exacerbation state of BE. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this study, SF-36, which is rarely used in clinical practice, has been demonstrated to be more correlated with radiological and pulmonary function test (PFT) scores than SGRQ. Assessing the patient's disease status can be performed more efficiently if MBS and SF-36 are combined with PFT.