Complications and discomfort after research bronchoscopy in the MicroCOPD study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Respiratory Research
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Limited data exists on research bronchoscopy complications and discomfort in COPD and asthma patients.
• This study addresses the gap by examining adverse events and risk factors within a week post-procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess complications and discomfort associated with research bronchoscopy.
• To identify personal and procedural risk factors for adverse events in patients with COPD, asthma, and controls.

Main Methods:

• 239 subjects (COPD, asthma, controls) underwent research bronchoscopy for lower airway microbiome analysis (MicroCOPD study).
• Procedures included protected specimen brushes, bronchoalveolar lavage, and endobronchial biopsies.
• Complications and discomfort were prospectively recorded, with telephone follow-up assessing symptoms and discomfort in the week post-procedure.

Main Results:

• 25.9% of bronchoscopies required unplanned intervention or early termination.
• Severe complications occurred in 1.3% of subjects, with full recovery.
• COPD patients reported more dyspnea; sedation and younger age correlated with fewer interventions. Post-bronchoscopy fever sensation affected 47.7% and was linked to discomfort.

Conclusions:

• Research bronchoscopy is not associated with increased complications or discomfort in COPD patients.
• Post-bronchoscopy fever sensation is common (47.7%) and correlates with patient discomfort.