hyperinflation in bronchiectasis : a series of 94 patients

<bold>Introduction:</bold> The aim of the study was to characterize hyperinflation in bronchiectasis. <bold>Methods:</bold> We conducted a prospective single-center study (Batna, Algeria) and studied volume measurements by plethysmography in 94 stable bronchiectasis patients. <bold>Results:</bold> Mean age was 51.7 years old with a female predominance (sex ratio: 0.84). BMI was 23.9 ± 5.7 kg/m². The etiologies found were dominated by respiratory infections (39.4%), tuberculosis (19.1%) and idiopathic forms (38.3%). 21.3% of patients were active smokers. The bronchiectasis was bilateral in 46.8%. It was cylindrical (51.1%), cystic (38.3%) and varicose (10.6%). BSI score was 8 [5 - 12] with 50% of severe forms. Pulmonary function tests showed FEV1 (74%), FVC (84%), TLC (94%), RV (123%), FRC (117%), RV/TLC (129%), FRC/TLC RV (125%). Patterns of lung function was obstructive in 46.8% of patients (FEV1/FVC <0.70), restrictive (24.5%), mixed (6.4%). FEV1 reversibility was 13.8%. Hyperinflation (RV > ULN) was found in 31 patients (33%) and air trapping (TLC >120%) was found in 29.8% of patients. RV/TLC > 120 (46.8%) and FRC/TLC > 120 (52.1%). Hyperinflation was mild (RV > ULN) in 25.8 % of patients, moderate (RV, FRC > ULN) in 54.8% of patients, and severe (RV, FRC and TLC > ULN) in of 19.3% patients. The comparison of bronchiectasis anatomical forms showed a significant difference regarding hyperinflation. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Our study highlights a high range of hyperinflation among bronchiectasis patients.