Factors associated with respiratory insufficiency in bronchiectasis

Abstract

Lung volumes, ventilation characteristics, diffusing capacity, mechanics and blood gases were studied in forty-two patients with cylindrical and saccular bronchiectasis proved by bronchography. Thirty-two of these patients had been followed closely for three or more years with repeated tests of pulmonary function, clinical examinations and sputum cultures. Eighteen of these had been observed for as long as seven years. The results show that even patients with localized disease may have significant abnormalities in lung function. Lung function deteriorates as the disease becomes more extensive. The persistent presence of Hemophilus influenzae in the sputum is associated with a further reduction in the maximum breathing capacity, but not in the other tests of lung function. The degree of measured functional impairment is unaffected by the type of bronchiectasis. In all patients followed carefully the rate of deterioration of pulmonary function with time is slight whether or not antibiotics are taken daily.