Pediatric physiotherapy management of airway clearance therapy and exercise: Data from the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry.

BACKGROUND: Regular airway clearance techniques (ACTs) and exercise are recommended for children with bronchiectasis, but current clinical practice and their predictors are unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe current use of ACTs and exercise among Australian children with bronchiectasis and identify associated predictors. METHODS: Physiotherapy-specific data of 397 children (median age = 8 were extracted from the Australian Bronchiectasis Registry. A multivariate analysis was undertaken to identify predictors associated with the use of regular ACTs and physical exercise. RESULTS: Regular ACTs were undertaken by 118 (30%) children while 192 (48%) engaged in regular exercise. Physical exercise was the most common ACT modality (n = 83, 20%). The likelihood of regular ACT increased in children whose sputum isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR = 3.88, 95% CI 1.69-8.89) and was 50% higher for every respiratory exacerbation in the previous 12-months that required hospitalization (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.15-1.95). For every year older in age, children had increased odds of engaging in physical exercise (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.08-1.34) or using an ACT device (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.34). Regular exercise was twice as likely in the presence of bibasal bronchiectasis (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.14-5.16), yet less likely in those with ≥1 hospitalizations in the previous 12-months (OR = 0.76, 0.95% CI 0.57-1.03). CONCLUSION: Approximately one-third of children with bronchiectasis undertake regular ACTs while physical exercise was undertaken in approximately one in two children. Age, frequent respiratory exacerbations requiring hospitalization and the extent of disease are predictors of undertaking regular ACTs and exercise. Identification of these factors may assist in tailoring ACT, exercise and ACT modality prescription in clinical practice.

Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand position statement: The safe clinical use of sputum induction for bio-sampling of the lower airways in children and adults.

Sputum induction is widely used in clinical settings for collection of biological samples from the lower airways. However, in recent years sputum induction has been associated with serious adverse events and even death. This position statement was commissioned by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand to address major adverse events of two deaths associated with sputum induction that have occurred in Australia in 2021, and outlines best practice for the safe use of sputum induction. The statement resulted from systematic literature searches by a multi-disciplinary group including respiratory physicians, nurses and physiotherapists (paediatric and adults focused). Consumers had input to an advanced draft of the position statement. The position statement covers indications for sputum induction, informed consent, scope of practice of personnel administering the procedure, infection control considerations, details about the sputum induction procedure, safety considerations and risk assessment in clinical settings.

Bronchiectasis among Indigenous adults in the Top End of the Northern Territory, 2011-2020: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of bronchiectasis among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) adults in the Top End of the Northern Territory, and mortality among Indigenous adults with bronchiectasis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (18 years or older) living in the Top End Health Service region of the NT in whom bronchiectasis was confirmed by chest computed tomography (CT) during 1 January 2011 - 31 December 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of bronchiectasis, and all-cause mortality among Indigenous adults with CT-confirmed bronchiectasis - overall, by sex, and by health district - based on 2011 population numbers (census data). RESULTS: A total of 23 722 Indigenous adults lived in the Top End Health Service region in 2011; during 2011-2020, 459 people received chest CT-confirmed diagnoses of bronchiectasis. Their median age was 47.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 39.9-56.8 years), 254 were women (55.3%), and 425 lived in areas classified as remote (93.0%). The estimated prevalence of bronchiectasis was 19.4 per 1000 residents (20.6 per 1000 women; 18.0 per 1000 men). The age-adjusted prevalence of bronchiectasis was 5.0 (95% CI, 1.4-8.5) cases per 1000 people in the Darwin Urban health area, and 18-36 cases per 1000 people in the three non-urban health areas. By 30 April 2023, 195 people with bronchiectasis had died (42.5%), at a median age of 60.3 years (IQR, 50.3-68.9 years). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of bronchiectasis burden among Indigenous adults in the Top End of the NT is high, but differed by health district, as is all-cause mortality among adults with bronchiectasis. The socio-demographic and other factors that contribute to the high prevalence of bronchiectasis among Indigenous Australians should be investigated so that interventions for reducing its burden can be developed.

Quality of acute asthma care: an audit of clinical practice in a Victorian health service.

BACKGROUND: Gaps in the treatment of patients with acute asthma have been repeatedly described in Australia. We conducted a retrospective audit of acute asthma care at a Victorian tertiary institution. AIMS: To describe acute asthma care at a large health network in metropolitan Melbourne, and evaluate the extent to which Emergency Department (ED) care was consistent with National Asthma Council guidelines. METHODS: A retrospective audit was performed of medical records between July 2017 and June 2019. We included adult patients admitted to campuses within the Western Health network in Melbourne, Victoria, where the length of stay was at least 12 h, and the primary discharge diagnosis was asthma. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-three admissions were included in the analysis, representing 392 individual patients. Seventy-one percent of patients were female and 27% were current smokers. Ninety-six percent of patients had a prior asthma diagnosis, 63% had a previous hospital presentation and 75% were prescribed an inhaled preventer. In the ED, systemic corticosteroids and inhaled salbutamol were prescribed in 65% and 82% admissions respectively; adjunctive treatments included ipratropium (67% of admissions), magnesium sulfate (30%), adrenaline (11%) and non-invasive ventilation (9%). Overall, ED care was guideline concordant in 59% of admissions. On the wards, treatments prescribed within 24 h of admission included corticosteroids (90% of admissions), salbutamol (84%), ipratropium (64%) and inhaled preventers (63%). The proportion of patients prescribed these treatments, as well as documented follow up (e.g. asthma action plans), varied significantly depending on the treating specialty. CONCLUSION: The emergency treatment of patients with acute asthma frequently deviated from guidelines and there was significant variation in inpatient treatment. Quality improvement initiatives that incorporate structural changes are required to improve asthma care.

A nurse-led Asthma Care Team transitioning patients from hospital to home improves asthma control: A pilot study exploring an alternative model of care.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent asthma admissions are frequent in our patients at a tertiary Australian hospital and are commonly related to poor health literacy and medication adherence. A need exists to improve these asthma self-management skills within our current model of care, especially during the vulnerable postdischarge period. AIM: To examine if the addition of a nurse-led Asthma Care Transition Team (ACTT) compared with usual care alone (UC) (1) improves asthma control at 12 weeks posthospital discharge; the number of patients using a Written Action Plan (WAP), compliance with inhaler therapy at 12 weeks, and readmission rates at 6 months. METHODS: Adults admitted with asthma were randomised to either: UC: involving review of asthma medication and self-management skills by the ward team prior to discharge; a standard 6-week post discharge clinic visit and a 12-week study visit where an independent assessor assessed outcomes; or ACTT: In addition to UC, involved ACTT nurse-led review at 1 week and 6 weeks. Key aspects included a pre defined, structured review reinforcing education and self-management skills, and telephone support during working hours. RESULT: Sixty participants (UC and ACTT) had similar baseline characteristics: Mean age: 41 vs 38 years, asthma duration: 20 vs 18 years, baseline Asthma Control Questionnaire 3.1 vs 3.4. At 12 weeks Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) improved significantly in both groups but more so with ACTT; ACTT group had a higher uptake of WAP and a trend to reduced readmissions. CONCLUSION AND PRACTICE IMPLICATION: A nurse-led ACTT improves asthma control and self-management skills following discharge and may lead to fewer readmissions.

Effects of 3 months of multi-nutrient supplementation on the immune system and muscle and respiratory function of older adults in aged care (The Pomerium Study): protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Immunosenescence leads to increased morbidity and mortality associated with viral infections and weaker vaccine responses. This has been well documented for seasonal influenza and the current pandemic with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), which disproportionately impact older adults, particularly those in residential aged care facilities. Inadequate nutrient intakes associated with impaired immunity, respiratory and muscle function are likely to augment the effects of immunosenescence. In this study, we test whether the impact of inadequate nutrition can be reversed using multi-nutrient supplementation, consequently enhancing vaccine responses, reducing the risk of viral infections and improving respiratory and muscle function. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Pomerium Study is a 3-month, single-blind, randomised, controlled trial testing the effects of two daily servings of an oral multi-nutrient supplement (330 kcal, 20 g protein, 1.5 g calcium 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate monohydrate (CaHMB), 449 mg calcium, 500 IU vitamin D3 and 25 vitamins and minerals) on the immune system and muscle and respiratory function of older adults in aged care in Melbourne, Australia. 160 older adults (≥75 years old) will be recruited from aged care facilities and randomised to treatment (multi-nutrient supplement) or control (usual care). The primary outcome is a change in T-cell subsets CD8 + and CD28null counts at months 1 and 3. Secondary outcomes measured at baseline and month 3 are multiple markers of immunosenescence (also at 1 month), body composition (bioimpedance), handgrip strength (dynamometer), physical function (short physical performance battery), respiratory function (spirometry) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Incidence and complications of COVID-19 and/or viral infections (ie, hospitalisation, complications or death) will be recorded throughout the trial, including 3 months after supplementation is ceased. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. HREC/73985/MH-2021, ERM Ref No. RMH73985, Melbourne Health Site Ref No. 2021.115). Written informed consent will be obtained from participants. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and made available to key aged care stakeholders, including providers, residents, and government bodies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12621000420842.

Tiotropium treatment for bronchiectasis: a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Tiotropium via the HandiHaler device is an established long-acting, anticholinergic bronchodilator that prevents exacerbations and improves lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We hypothesised that tiotropium would reduce pulmonary exacerbations and improve lung function in patients with stable bronchiectasis and airflow limitation, and assessed the effect of tiotropium on these outcomes. METHODS: In a randomised, double-blind, two-period crossover trial, we recruited adult patients from three hospitals in New Zealand. Patients were excluded if they had a smoking history of >20 pack-years. Patients were assigned to either the tiotropium-placebo or placebo-tiotropium sequence in a 1:1 ratio, using randomly permuted blocks stratified by centre. Participants and investigators were masked to treatment allocation. Eligible patients received tiotropium 18 µg via HandiHaler daily for 6 months followed by 6 months of placebo, or vice versa, with a washout period of 4 weeks. The primary end-point was rate of event-based exacerbations during the 6-month period. Primary analyses were carried out in an intention-to-treat set. RESULTS: 90 patients were randomly assigned and 85 completed both treatment cycles. The rate of exacerbations was 2.17 per year under the tiotropium treatment and 2.27 per year under placebo (rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.72-1.27; p=0.77). Tiotropium, compared with placebo, improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s by 58 mL (95% CI 23-92 mL; p=0.002). Adverse events were similar under both treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Tiotropium via HandiHaler over 6 months significantly improved lung function but not frequency of exacerbations. Further research is required to understand the clinical context and significance of these findings.

Sputum procalcitonin: a potential biomarker in stable bronchiectasis.

Sputum procalcitonin is elevated in exacerbations of bronchiectasis. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether sputum procalcitonin levels are higher in patients with stable bronchiectasis than in healthy controls. We also assessed differences in procalcitonin levels in spontaneously expectorated and induced sputum samples and their repeatability 1 week later. Participants included were aged over 18 years and either had radiologically confirmed bronchiectasis or were healthy controls. Patients with bronchiectasis were clinically stable for at least 6 weeks and had spontaneous and induced sputum collected at visit 1 and again 7 days later. Only induced sputum samples were collected from healthy controls during visit 1. Sputum procalcitonin concentrations in sputum were measured. In total, 30 patients with bronchiectasis and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this observational study. In the pooled data from visit 1 and 2, the geometric mean procalcitonin level in induced sputum was significantly higher in the bronchiectasis group than in the healthy control group (1.5 ng·mL-1, 95% CI 1.0-2.1 ng·mL-1 versus 0.4 ng·mL-1, 95% CI 0.2-0.9 ng·mL-1; mean ratio 3.6, 95% CI 1.5-8.6; p=0.006). Mean procalcitonin level was higher in spontaneous sputum than in induced sputum at visit 1 (1.8 ng·mL-1, 95% CI 1.2-2.7 ng·mL-1 versus 1.1 ng·mL-1, 95% CI 0.7-1.8 ng·mL-1) and visit 2 (1.5 ng·mL-1, 95% CI 1.0-2.5 ng·mL-1 versus 1.2 ng·mL-1, 95% CI 0.8-1.6 ng·mL-1; p=0.001). Repeating spontaneous and induced sputum procalcitonin levels 1 week later produced similar concentrations (p=0.29, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.76 and p=0.72, ICC=0.70, respectively). Sputum procalcitonin is increased in patients with stable bronchiectasis and has potential as a biomarker of airway inflammation and infection in bronchiectasis.

Oral corticosteroids stewardship for asthma in adults and adolescents: A position paper from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used for asthma treatment. This medication is highly effective for both acute and chronic diseases, but evidence indicates that indiscriminate OCS use is common, posing a risk of serious side effects and irreversible harm. There is now an urgent need to introduce OCS stewardship approaches, akin to successful initiatives that optimized appropriate antibiotic usage. The aim of this TSANZ (Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand) position paper is to review current knowledge pertaining to OCS use in asthma and then delineate principles of OCS stewardship. Recent evidence indicates overuse and over-reliance on OCS for asthma and that doses >1000 mg prednisolone-equivalent cumulatively are likely to have serious side effects and adverse outcomes. Patient perspectives emphasize the detrimental impacts of OCS-related side effects such as weight gain, insomnia, mood disturbances and skin changes. Improvements in asthma control and prevention of exacerbations can be achieved by improved inhaler technique, adherence to therapy, asthma education, smoking cessation, multidisciplinary review, optimized medications and other strategies. Recently, add-on therapies including novel biological agents and macrolide antibiotics have demonstrated reductions in OCS requirements. Harm reduction may also be achieved through identification and mitigation of predictable adverse effects. OCS stewardship should entail greater awareness of appropriate indications for OCS prescription, risk-benefits of OCS medications, side effects, effective add-on therapies and multidisciplinary review. If implemented, OCS stewardship can ensure that clinicians and patients with asthma are aware that OCS should not be used lightly, while providing reassurance that asthma can be controlled in most people without frequent use of OCS.

The role of high-flow nasal therapy in bronchiectasis: a post hoc analysis.

High-flow nasal therapy significantly reduces exacerbation rates and improves quality of life in patients with stable bronchiectasis. High-flow nasal therapy is therefore a potential treatment option for patients with bronchiectasis. https://bit.ly/2JFXuQc.

Point of Care Portable Spirometry in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Inpatients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Spirometry is required to accurately diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Following an acute exacerbation, it is recommended that spirometry be performed after a delay of 4-6 weeks to allow stability and a measure of 'baseline' lung function. However, poor attendance at these appointments can occur, leading to an inability to confirm the diagnosis of COPD or assess the severity of airflow obstruction. Portable spirometry (PS) is a proven surrogate device that may provide a convenient method to address these issues. The purpose of this study was to compare PS values, obtained prior to hospital discharge to laboratory-based spirometry (LS) results undertaken 4 weeks later. METHODS: Thirty-three eligible inpatients with a clinically determined exacerbation of COPD were recruited. Patients underwent PS prior to discharge and LS 4 weeks later. RESULTS: Reliability of PS values at discharge compared with outpatient LS 4 weeks later was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). The PS confirmed a new diagnosis of COPD at the bedside in 29% of patients and excluded COPD in 6% at both time points. Patients were found to have a similar severity of airflow obstruction on both PS and LS, with clinical stability maintained between visits. The PS and LS may be used interchangeably for earlier diagnosis of COPD. PS at the point of discharge from hospital offers a unique opportunity to diagnose and facilitate COPD management from hospital to primary care.

Long-term macrolide antibiotics for the treatment of bronchiectasis in adults: an individual participant data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis guidelines recommend long-term macrolide treatment for patients with three or more exacerbations per year without Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Randomised controlled trials suggest that long-term macrolide treatment can prevent exacerbations in adult patients with bronchiectasis, but these individual studies have been too small to do meaningful subgroup analyses. We did a systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis to explore macrolide benefit in subpopulations, including those in which macrolide therapy is not currently recommended. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science from Jan 1, 2000, to Sept 30, 2018, to identify double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials of macrolide antibiotics in adult patients with bronchiectasis. We applied no language restrictions. Randomised controlled trials were eligible if treatment was defined a priori as long term and had a primary or secondary outcome of bronchiectasis exacerbations. Studies in patients with cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis were excluded. The primary outcome of the meta-analysis was frequency of exacerbations requiring treatment with antibiotics. Secondary endpoints were time to first exacerbation, change in quality of life according to the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and change in FEV1. IPD meta-analysis was done using fixed effects models adjusting for age, sex, FEV1, and trial. We did prespecified subgroup analyses for each of the primary and secondary endpoints using one-step meta-analysis only. Subgroups were defined by age, sex, previous exacerbation frequency, smoking status, inhaled corticosteroid use at baseline, body-mass index at baseline, cause, C-reactive protein at baseline, baseline FEV1 percentage of predicted, SGRQ total score, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in sputum culture at baseline. The meta-analysis is registered with the PROSPERO international register of systematic reviews, number CRD42018102908. FINDINGS: Of 234 identified studies, we included three randomised controlled trials, and IPD was obtained for 341 participants. Macrolide antibiotics reduced the frequency of exacerbations (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0·49, 95% CI 0·36 to 0·66; p<0·0001). We also found that macrolide treatment improved the time to first exacerbation (adjusted hazard ratio 0·46, 0·34 to 0·61; p<0·0001) and was associated with improved quality of life measured by the SGRQ (mean improvement 2·93 points, 0·03 to 5·83; p=0·048). Macrolides were not associated with a significant improvement in FEV1 (67 mL at 1 year, -22 to 112; p=0·14). Effect estimates in prespecified subgroup analyses revealed a reduced frequency of exacerbations in all prespecified subgroups, including a high level of benefit in patients with P aeruginosa infection (IRR 0·36, 0·18-0·72; p=0·0044) and in patients with one to two exacerbations per year (0·37, 0·16-0·88; p=0·025). Studies were rated as low risk of bias across all domains. INTERPRETATION: Long-term macrolide treatment significantly reduces the frequency of exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis, with similar benefits observed in all subgroups based on patient characteristics. This finding suggests that macrolides might be considered in patients in whom macrolides are not indicated according to the current guidelines, particularly if alternative approaches to reduce exacerbations have been unsuccessful. However, downsides of long-term macrolide treatment must also be taken into account. FUNDING: European Respiratory Society.

Treatable traits can be identified in a severe asthma registry and predict future exacerbations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A new taxonomic and management approach, termed treatable traits, has been proposed for airway diseases including severe asthma. This study examined whether treatable traits could be identified using registry data and whether particular treatable traits were associated with future exacerbation risk. METHODS: The Australasian Severe Asthma Web-Based Database (SAWD) enrolled 434 participants with severe asthma and a comparison group of 102 participants with non-severe asthma. Published treatable traits were mapped to registry data fields and their prevalence was described. Participants were characterized at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months. RESULTS: In SAWD, 24 treatable traits were identified in three domains: pulmonary, extrapulmonary and behavioural/risk factors. Patients with severe asthma expressed more pulmonary and extrapulmonary treatable traits than non-severe asthma. Allergic sensitization, upper-airway disease, airflow limitation, eosinophilic inflammation and frequent exacerbations were common in severe asthma. Ten traits predicted exacerbation risk; among the strongest were being prone to exacerbations, depression, inhaler device polypharmacy, vocal cord dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnoea. CONCLUSION: Treatable traits can be assessed using a severe asthma registry. In severe asthma, patients express more treatable traits than non-severe asthma. Traits may be associated with future asthma exacerbation risk demonstrating the clinical utility of assessing treatable traits.

Neurological and Sleep Disturbances in Bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that is increasingly recognised worldwide. While other common chronic lung conditions such as chronic obstructive lung disease have been associated with cardiovascular disease, there is a paucity of data on the relationship between bronchiectasis and cardiovascular risks such as stroke and sleep disturbance. Furthermore, it is unclear whether other neuropsychological aspects are affected, such as cognition, cerebral infection, anxiety and depression. In this review, we aim to highlight neurological and sleep issues in relation to bronchiectasis and their importance to patient care.

Relationship between Sleep Duration and Risk Factors for Stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. While various risk factors have been identified, sleep has only been considered a risk factor more recently. Various epidemiologic studies have associated stroke with sleep such as sleep duration, and laboratory and clinical studies have proposed various underlying mechanisms. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, especially considering sleep affects many common risk factors for stroke. This review aims to provide an outline of the effect of sleep duration on common stroke risk factors. Appropriate sleep duration, especially in patients who have stroke risk factors, and increasing awareness and screening for sleep quality may contribute to primary prevention of stroke.

Patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis: Clinical, physiological and sputum characteristics.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bronchiectasis is a growing health burden both globally and in Australasia. Associated with repeated respiratory infections, the disease often results in hospital admission, impaired quality of life, reduced lung function and shortened life expectancy. We describe the local clinical, physiological and sputum characteristics in patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis. METHODS: This study examined the medical records of all 61 adults admitted to a metropolitan Australian hospital with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis in a calendar year. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics include: mean (SD) age of participants was 66 (14) years; 56% were women and 42% were current or ex-smokers. The majority had other coexisting medical conditions, with asthma in 44%, COPD in 59% and both asthma and COPD in 31%. Seventy-two percent were on regular inhaled medication, 23% on cyclical antibiotics and 26% undertook regular respiratory physiotherapy. Bronchodilator reversibility was present in 17% and small airway reversibility in 41%. Sputum demonstrated normal flora in 17%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 32%, Haemophilus influenzae in 15% and both organisms in 17%. Mean numbers of exacerbations per year requiring hospitalization was 2.3. Sixty-two percent of subjects had an Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage in deciles 1-5. Risk factors for exacerbations included a history of asthma or COPD, documented small airway reversibility and presence of P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: Patients hospitalized with an infective exacerbation of bronchiectasis are predominantly older with co-morbidities and of lower socio-economic status. Presence of P. aeruginosa was a risk factor for repeated exacerbations, as was a history of asthma, COPD or small airway reversibility.

Bronchiectasis in the Last Five Years: New Developments.

Bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease characterised by cough and purulent sputum, recurrent infections, and airway damage, is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. To date, treatment options have been limited to physiotherapy to clear sputum and antibiotics to treat acute infections. Over the last decade, there has been significant progress in understanding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology of this disorder. Over the last five years, methods of assessing severity have been developed, the role of macrolide antibiotic therapy in reducing exacerbations cemented, and inhaled antibiotic therapies show promise in the treatment of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Novel therapies are currently undergoing Phase 1 and 2 trials. This review aims to address the major developments within the field of bronchiectasis over this time.

Profile of a fixed-dose combination of tiotropium/olodaterol and its potential in the treatment of COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, debilitating disorder that results in frequent exacerbations and impacts quality of life. It represents a growing burden of health care cost, both from societal and economic perspectives. Short- and long-acting bronchodilators remain the mainstay of therapy in COPD patients. New fixed-dose combination inhalers with novel pharmacological combinations of long-acting ß2-agonists and muscarinic antagonists and delivered once-daily through a variety of devices are currently being developed and licensed for the treatment of COPD. There is mounting research suggesting that combining a fixed dose of a ß2-agonist and a muscarinic antagonist achieves better bronchodilation and clinical outcomes compared with either agent alone. These once-daily dosing inhalers are anticipated to impact favorably on patient preference and compliance. This review examines the fixed-dose combination of tiotropium bromide and olodaterol delivered by a Respimat(®) Soft Mist™ inhaler at doses of 2.5/5 µg and 5/5 µg in moderate-to-very-severe COPD, and its potential role in COPD compared with other long-acting ß2-agonist with long-acting muscarinic antagonist combinations and delivery devices.