Epidemiology of non-CF bronchiectasis

Background. Recent and representative data on the epidemiology of non-CF bronchiectasis is limited. Objectives. The objective of the present article is to provide a literature overview regarding the few studies on the epidemiology of non-CF bronchiectasis in Germany and worldwide and to point out arising consequences for future research priorities. Materials and methods. Narrative and selective literature review. Results. Due to the fact that (high resolution) computed tomography of the chest is increasingly used in routine care, bronchiectasis is diagnosed easier and earlier, resulting in an apparently increasing prevalence. High quality studies on the epidemiology of bronchiectasis are still exceedingly limited. Data from the US have demonstrated an increase of the outpatient as well as the inpatient treatment burden of bronchiectasis over the last years. Recently, comparable data on a significantly increasing rate of bronchiectasis associated hospitalizations as a surrogate for the burden of disease in heath care became available for Germany. In this context, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as an associated condition appears to be of particular clinical relevance. Conclusions. Given the heterogeneous etiology, the set-up of national and international epidemiological patient registries is necessary in order to define the optimal clinical management as well as prognostic factors in non-CF bronchiectasis.