A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE CLINICAL RADIOLOGICAL MICROBIOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CORRELATION OF BRONCHIECTASIS

Abstract

Background: Bronchiectasis is a chronic suppurative lung disease characterized by irreversible bronchial dilatation resulting from recurrent infection and inflammation. The disease exhibits marked heterogeneity in clinical presentation, radiological patterns, microbiological colonization, and functional impairment. An integrated evaluation of these parameters is essential for understanding disease severity, predicting outcomes, and optimizing patient management in clinical practice.

Aim: To evaluate clinical, radiological, microbiological and lung function profiles of bronchiectasis, and assess disease severity using FACED and Bronchiectasis Severity Index scores.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care hospital in South India. A total of 60 adult inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with bronchiectasis were included. Detailed demographic data, clinical symptoms, duration of illness, comorbidities, exposure history, and examination findings were recorded. Radiological evaluation included chest X-ray and HRCT assessment for lobar involvement and morphological type. Sputum samples were analyzed for microbiological pathogens. Pulmonary function testing was performed using spirometry, and dyspnoea was graded using the modified Medical Research Council scale. Disease severity was assessed using FACED and BSI scores. Statistical analysis was carried out using appropriate descriptive and inferential methods, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae was the most common aetiology, observed in 40 (66.7%) patients. Cough (58, 96.7%) and dyspnoea (56, 93.3%) were the predominant symptoms. Sputum culture was positive in 36 (60%) patients, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most common isolate (17, 28.3%). HRCT revealed predominant lower lobe involvement, and cystic bronchiectasis was the most frequent morphological pattern (40, 66.7%). Spirometry showed mixed ventilatory defects in 19 (31.7%) patients. FACED scoring classified 39 (65.0%) patients as having mild disease, whereas BSI scoring identified 33 (55.0%) patients as having severe bronchiectasis. Exacerbation frequency showed a significant correlation with BSI scores.

Conclusion: Bronchiectasis in this study was predominantly post-tuberculous, with significant clinical symptoms, structural lung damage, chronic bacterial colonization, and functional impairment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was associated with higher disease severity. The Bronchiectasis Severity Index demonstrated better correlation with exacerbations and may be more useful for risk stratification and long-term management.