Patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis: Clinical, physiological and sputum characteristics

Abstract

Background and objective: Bronchiectasis is a growing health burden both globally and in Australasia. Associated with repeated respiratory infections, the disease often results in hospital admission, impaired quality of life, reduced lung function and shortened life expectancy. We describe the local clinical, physiological and sputum characteristics in patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis. Methods: This study examined the medical records of all 61 adults admitted to a metropolitan Australian hospital with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis in a calendar year. Results: Baseline characteristics include: mean (SD) age of participants was 66 (14) years;..