PULMONARY REHABILITATION IN BRONCHIECTASIS: EFFECTS ON SYMPTOMS, LUNG FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE
研究了为期六周的日常门诊肺康复项目对支气管扩张症患者症状、肺功能和生活质量的影响，发现能显著改善症状、呼吸困难和营养状况，但肺功能指标无显著变化。
Introduction: Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease associated with recurrent exacerbations and symptoms, leading to impaired quality-of-life. Current ERS guidelines recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for symptomatic patients with bronchiectasis. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the impact of PR on symptoms, lung function and disease severity in patients with bronchiectasis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted, including patients who initiated a six-week, daily, ambulatory PR program (December 2023-2025). Collected data included body mass index (BMI), Bronchiectasis Health Questionnaire (BHQ) and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, lung function (FEV1), and disease severity scores (Bronchiectasis Severity Index [BSI] and FACED score), assessed at initiation and 6 months after completion. The program included education, airway clearance techniques including Flutter® device and nutritional consultation. Results: Thirty-seven patients were selected: 26 (70.3%) were eligible for analysis, since 11 patients were discharged due to non-compliance. Twenty-two completed PR (84.6%), while 4 patients were still awaiting follow-up results. Mean age was 59±15 years, mostly female patients (63.6%). After PR, BMI increased significantly (+0.45kg/m2; p=0.046). Quality of life improved significantly (+6.2 points in BHQ, p<0.001), and dyspnea severity decreased (−0.5 points in mMRC; p=0.047). No statistically significant changes were observed in lung function, FACED or BSI scores. No adverse events were reported and no exacerbations were registered after 6-months follow-up. Conclusions: PR was associated with statistically significant improvements in symptoms, dyspnea, quality-of-life and nutritional status. However, FEV1, FACED or BSI scores did not show significant improvements. Interpretation of disease severity scores requires caution due to one-year parameters and follow-up timing might have impacted these results. Larger studies are required with longer follow-up reassessments, at least 12 months after PR programs.