Clinical experience in the management of patients with bronchiectasis and other pulmonary pathologies with bronchial hypersecretion.

<bold>Introduction:</bold> There is a need to evaluate the usefulness of new airway clearance techniques (ACT), used so far in cystic fibrosis, in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a new ACT in patients with pulmonary exacerbation (Pex) of NCFB. <bold>Methods:</bold> A prospective open multicenter obsevational study was performed in NCFB patients with Pex between July 2022-April 2023. Initially patients were treated in hospital with their usual conventional chest physiotherapy, and Simeox technology was introduced on Day 2 after training. After discharge they operated only with Simeox, without assistance for 2 months at home. Clinical evaluation according to CAT score, mucus drainage, tolerability, and usability of Simeox device was assessed during the study. <bold>Results:</bold> 18 patients with Pex of NCFB of different etiology, mainly COPD (n=8), asthma (n=5), post infectious bronchiectasis (n=2) were enrolled. CAT score significantly decreased after 2 months of treatment (p<0001). Drainage of purulent mucus with Simeox was abundant and regular over time. Patients reported improvement in fatigue, breathing fluidity, cough, dyspnea, and reduction in sputum production. None of the patient experienced exacerbation or side effect during observation. Simeox compliance was >3 sessions/week and stable over time. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The study showed a significant improvement in mucus drainage, respiratory symptoms and quality of life after 2 months of home treatment Simeox compliance was very good and the therapy was safe. These promising preliminary data need to be confirmed in RCT.