The Canadian Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Registry: a study protocol

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

• Bronchiectasis presents diverse challenges across populations, with limited data from Canada.
• Geographic and ethnic variations impact bronchiectasis presentation and progression.
• Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are a significant comorbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical features and natural history of bronchiectasis in the Canadian population.
• To identify risk factors associated with disease progression in Canadian patients.
• To establish a foundation for large-scale, randomized controlled trials in Canada.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, longitudinal, multi-centre observational cohort study.
• Enrollment of at least 2000 participants with bronchiectasis or pulmonary NTM infection.
• Collection of comprehensive data including medical history, lung function, microbiology, imaging, comorbidities, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Data collection is ongoing, with initial findings expected to elucidate bronchiectasis phenotypes in Canada.
• Longitudinal follow-up will provide insights into treatment efficacy and quality of life changes.
• The registry will identify key factors influencing disease progression.

Conclusions:

• The Canadian Bronchiectasis and NTM Registry is crucial for understanding bronchiectasis and NTM in Canada.
• Study outcomes will inform evidence-based clinical practices and guide future research.
• This resource will support the development of targeted interventions and trials.