Author(s): Hanaa Hasan Banjar
This study represents the experience of a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia on association of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). A retrospective review of all patients with GER and Non-Cystic Fibrosis (Non-CF) Bronchiectasis was done in a pulmonary clinic for the period 1993-2005. A total of 49 patients were found to have both conditions. Twenty six (53%) were males, 23 (47%) were females. 48 (98%) are alive and 1(2%) died. The southwestern regions contributed to 29(60%) of the cases. There is a period of 5± 3.2 years between the start of symptoms and the diagnosis of bronchiectasis. More than 2/3 of the patients had cough, tachypnea, wheezing, sputum production and failure to thrive. 30(61%) had associated disease: Pulmonary diseases in 22(45%), Immunodefficiency in 5(18%), CNS in 9 (18%), and cardiac in 3 (6%). Left lower lobes (LLL) was commonly involved in 38(76%). Asthma was found in 41(84%) of the patients. Twenty five (51%) of 49 patients found to have sinusitis. Hemophilus influenza (H-flue) was cultured in 16(33%), Streptococcus pneumoniae in 3 (6%), pseudomonas aeruginosa in 7(14%). Twenty two of 49 patients (92%), who were able to do PFT, had abnormal changes. Disease progression developed in 32 (65%) of the patients. GER was directly related to early development of symptoms. The diagnosis of bronchiectasis was delayed with the presence of CNS anomalies (p <0.05). GER is commonly associated with Non-CF bronchiectasis. Early recognition and institution of treatment will prevent progression of the disease.