Update in Bronchiectasis 2014

Abstract

Bronchiectasis, the permanent dilation of one or more bronchi, is not uncommon, despite being previously considered an “orphan” disease. With the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) of the chest, the detection of bronchiectasis has become more frequent and better characterized. Patients with this disease often have poor quality of life (QOL), increased health care use, and poor outcomes. For these reasons there has been renewed interest in this disease, and in particular non–cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). The year 2014 was of particular importance regarding developments in the field of NCFB. Significant advances in 2014 included new details on its epidemiology and pathophysiology, and new insights into the role of coexisting conditions in these patients. Furthermore, a better understanding of exacerbation triggers and their impact was gained. Newer tools evaluating severity and QOL have also been studied. Several studies examining the benefits of chronic oral macrolide therapy and inhaled antibiotics were also performed with promising results. This review examines articles published in AJRCCM and other major journals that have made significant advances in the field of NCFB in 2014.