MAGNITUDE, RISK FACTORS AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF NON-CYSTIC FIBROSIS BRONCHIECTASIS IN PATIENTS AT TIKUR ANBESSA SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL(TASH), ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA.

Background: The global prevalence of non-cystic bronchiectasis is estimated to be 1.5-17.8 cases per 100,000 population and is influenced by diagnostic capability with high-resolution computerized tomography and treatment availability. The disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and prevalence, clinical features, and risk factors are unknown in Ethiopia. Objective: to assess the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of Bronchiectasis. Design: Cross-sectional Setting: Tertiary hospital Materials and Methods: Data on demographics, respiratory symptoms, physical findings, Chest X-ray and HRCT radiology, and sputum culture were interviewed and extracted from clinic records. The standardized HRCT criteria for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis included Broncho arterial ratio> 1, lack of bronchial tapering, and airway visibility within a centimetre from the visceral pleura. Results: During the study period, 1200 clinic patients were visited, with 128 (10.67%) of them having bronchiectasis. The mean (SD) age and median duration of illness before diagnosis were 41.26 (15.46) years and 18 months (IQR 4.0-60.0) respectively. The majority of patients presented with cough (n=109, 85.2%). Inspiratory crackles were the most common physical finding (n=74, 54.7%). High resolution computerized tomography showed multilobar involvement in 39.8% patients, the left upper lobe (n=52, 40.6%) and right upper lobe (n= 41,32.0%). A majority reported prior respiratory infections (n=108, 84.3%). Conclusion: Non-Cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis was common in TASH, usually symptomatic, often resulting from prior respiratory infections, and associated with diffuse HRCT findings. Recommendation: Early recognition and treatment of infections may help prevent non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and decreases morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of East African Medical Journal is the property of East African Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)