The bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED score for assessment the severity of bronchiectasis

Abstract

Introduction: Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a multidimensional and etiologically diverse disease and, therefore, no single parameter can be used to determine its overall severity and prognosis. In this regard, two different validated scores are currently used for such assessment: the FACED score and BSI. Objective: To compare the results of the assessment of NCFB severity obtained via FACED and BSI scores. Methods: A retrospective study including NCFB patients from a sample of patients attending the Functional Breathing Re-adaptation appointment at the Pneumology B Unit. Results: The sample included 40 patients (22 females and 18 males aged 39 to 87 years). According to the FACED score we found 20 patients with mild bronchiectasis (BQ), 15 patients with moderate and 5 patients with severe BQ. Regarding the derived BSI, the frequency of patients with low, intermediate and high BSI was 13, 13 and 14, respectively. Moreover, we observed a weak but statistically significant association between FACED and BSI scores: Fisher9s exact test (p=0,004), tau-b de Kendall (0,469; p=0,001). The Kappa test (0.330; p=0,002) also shows us that there is 55% agreement between the two scales. Conclusion: There is a small but significant correlation between the two scales: a tendency is observed for patients to be classified with a highest BSI compared to the FACED score. It can be justified by the fact that BSI (and not FACED) evaluates parameters including BMI, hospitalization and exacerbations in previous year, chronic colonization by other microorganisms and development of cystic bronchiectasis. Further studies should address how these scores may impact clinical practice.