Quality of life in adult bronchiectasis treated with long-term High flow therapy

<bold>Background:</bold> Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease with an incidence of 163 per 100,000 population in Italy. There are few data about High flow therapy (HFT) in bronchiectasis. Aim of the study. To determine the quality of life (QoL) and adherence to HFT for adult primary and secondary bronchiectasis with frequent acute exacerbations (AE). <bold>Methods:</bold> This is a crossover study on home care with HFT in adult bronchiectasis. Symptoms and QoL were assessed by a Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) before HFT and after annually. Adherence was recorded by the high flow device. <bold>Results:</bold> 20 patients completed the 3 years follow up. 59% are females. The median age is 62 years (IQR 18-76). The etiology of bronchiectasis is post-infective (49%), COPD related (34%) and congenital (17%). The QOL-B score significantly increased in five of the eight domains at 3 years. The median (interquartile range) of respiratory symptoms score improved from 44 (32) to 68 (28). The median physical functioning score went from 42 (39) to 65 (37). The treatment burden score decreased from 69 (28) to 59 (36). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Long term HFT significantly impacts QoL in bronchiectasis. The QOL-B questionnaire reflects the improvement of chronic symptoms and the overall functioning over 3 years. Patients perceive an acceptable burden related to HFT.