High-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in stable-state bronchiectasis predicts exacerbation risk

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Inflammation Research
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Systemic inflammatory markers correlate with bronchiectasis severity, reduced lung function, and exacerbation risk.
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) shows suggested links to HRCT scores and oxygen saturation in stable non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis.
• Limited data exists on hs-CRP's role in bronchiectasis prognosis and exacerbation prediction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictive value of baseline serum hs-CRP levels for bronchiectasis exacerbations in a stable patient cohort.
• To explore the association between hs-CRP and the risk of both any and hospitalized bronchiectasis exacerbations.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 123 Chinese patients with non-CF bronchiectasis was conducted from October to December 2021.
• Baseline serum hs-CRP levels were measured during stable-state disease.
• Patients were followed for one year to record the incidence of any bronchiectasis exacerbation and hospitalized bronchiectasis exacerbation.

Main Results:

• Higher baseline hs-CRP levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing any bronchiectasis exacerbation (aOR = 2.254, p = 0.039).
• A borderline significant association was observed between higher hs-CRP and increased risk of hospitalized bronchiectasis exacerbation (aOR = 1.985, p = 0.080).

Conclusions:

• Baseline serum hs-CRP levels in stable bronchiectasis patients can predict the risk of future exacerbations.
• hs-CRP reflects underlying chronic low-grade inflammation in bronchiectasis, serving as a potential prognostic marker.