A screening tool to identify risk for bronchiectasis progression in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Background: The marked heterogeneity in cystic fibrosis (CF) disease complicates the selection of those most likely to benefit from existing or emergent treatments. Objective: We aimed to predict the progression of bronchiectasis in preschool children with CF. Methods: Using data collected up to 3 years of age, in the Australian Respiratory Early Surveillance Team for CF cohort study, clinical information, chest computed tomography (CT) scores, and biomarkers from bronchoalveolar lavage were assessed in a multivariable linear regression model as predictors for CT bronchiectasis at age 5–6. Results: Follow-up at 5–6 years was available in 171 children. Bronchiectasis prevalence at 5–6 was 134..