Effectiveness of airway clearance techniques in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis management in a real world setting

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by impaired mucociliary clearance, resulting in mucus buildup, chronic bronchial infection and inflammation. Implementing airway clearance techniques (ACTs) is essential. <bold>Objects:</bold> To assess the clinical utility and practical application of ACTs in outpatient healthcare. <bold>Methods:</bold> A prospective, non-randomized study was conducted on 9 patients with NCFB referred to our Institute. The patients were divided into two groups: 6 patients who performed ACTs by ELTGOL or T-PEP twice a week for 6 months (Group A) and 3 patients who did not perform ACTs (Group B). Spirometry values, meters covered in the 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT), degree of dyspnea (mMRC and Borg scales), life quality (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire-SGRQ, Leicester Cough Questionairre-LCQ, and CAT) and sputum purulence (Murray Scale) were collected at baseline visit (T0) and at 6-months follow-up visit (T1). The improvement in these tests was evaluated over time. <bold>Results:</bold> 9 patients, 4 male and 5 female, with an average age of 65±9,55 years, were enrolled. Group A patients showed improvements in the evaluated outcomes over time: dyspnea by mMRC (+0.84 (+72.41%) points, p=0.04), life quality by LCQ (+1.24 (+30.92%) points, p=0.01), and sputum purulence by Murray Scale (+0.67 (+40.36%) grades, p=0.02). In addition, exercise tolerance significantly worsened over time in Group B (6MWT: 386.67±137.78 mt at T0 vs 365±143.33 mt at T1, p=0.039). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> The study suggests including ACTs in NCFB patient management to improve outcomes, including enhanced exercise tolerance.