BronchUK: protocol for an observational cohort study and biobank in bronchiectasis

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Research
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Bronchiectasis is an under-researched respiratory condition with limited approved therapies.
• Treatment for bronchiectasis varies significantly across healthcare centers.
• A need exists for robust data to guide clinical practice and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the Bronchiectasis Observational Cohort and Biobank UK (BronchUK).
• To collect comprehensive longitudinal data on bronchiectasis patients.
• To serve as a resource for analyzing current UK National Health Service (NHS) practice and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study.
• Recruitment of at least 1500 patients with confirmed bronchiectasis across nine UK secondary care centers.
• Collection of baseline data including demographics, comorbidities, lung function, radiology, treatments, microbiology, and quality of life, with annual follow-ups for up to 5 years.

Main Results:

• The study aims to recruit a minimum of 1500 patients.
• Longitudinal data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment will be collected.
• Biological samples (blood, sputum) will be stored in a central biobank.

Conclusions:

• BronchUK will provide valuable insights into bronchiectasis management and patient outcomes in the UK.
• The collected data will support the analysis of current clinical practice.
• This resource is intended to facilitate future interventional studies in bronchiectasis.