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The effect of maintenance azithromycin on radiological features in patients with bronchiectasis - Analysis from the BAT randomized controlled trial

  • Lotte C. Terpstra*
  • , Josje Altenburg
  • , Firdaus A. Mohamed Hoesein
  • , Inez Bronsveld
  • , Shirley Go
  • , Philip A. C. van Rijn
  • , Pim A. de Jong
  • , Harry G. M. Heijerman
  • , Wim G. Boersma
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • Department of Clinical Chemistry, Haematology & Immunology,Northwest Clinics, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
  • University Medical Center Utrecht
  • Department of Cardiology, Slingeland Hospital, Doetinchem, The Netherlands
  • Haematology & Immunology,Northwest Clinics
  • Amsterdam University Medical Centers
  • Utrecht University
  • Slingeland Hospital

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Rationale: Bronchiectasis (abnormal dilatation of bronchi) is usually diagnosed by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and radiological severity has been found to correspond with clinical outcome. A beneficial effect of macrolides maintenance treatment in frequent exacerbating bronchiectasis patients has been established in randomized trials. This study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate the effect of long-term azithromycin (AZM) on radiological features in patients with bronchiectasis. Methods: The BAT randomized controlled trial (2008–2010) investigated the effect of 1 year of AZM (250 mg OD) in bronchiectasis with frequent exacerbations. Chest (HR)CT-scans at baseline and after one year of study treatment were obtained and scored by two radiologists according to the Brody - and the Bhalla scoring system. Results: 77 (93%) patients conducted the BAT trial were evaluated in this post-hoc analysis. A significant improvement of the radiological features based on the Brody score was found after one year of AZM therapy as compared to placebo (p = 0.024), with a not significant improvement of the Bhalla score (p=0.071). Especially the consolidation (Bhalla) and parenchymal changes (Brody) sub scores significantly improved (both p=0.030), and even a radiological deterioration was seen on the Brody bronchiectasis sub score for the placebo treated patients (mean 14.5 (11.7) vs.15.7 (11.9)). Conclusions: The beneficial effect of long-term AZM treatment on radiological features was demonstrated in this randomized controlled trial. (HR)CT's can be used as an objective measure of treatment response in bronchiectasis.

Original languageEnglish
Article number106718
Pages (from-to)106718
JournalRespiratory medicine
Volume192
Early online date28 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2022

Keywords

  • Azithromycin (AZM)
  • Bronchiectasis
  • High resolution computed tomography (HRCT)
  • Immunomodulation
  • Radiology

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