Natural History of Bronchiectasis Study to Understand Causes and Progression

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying bronchiectasis, a condition where the airways become inflamed, abnormally widened, and chronically infected. This condition often involves repeated infections in the respiratory tract, including sinus, ear, and lung disease. The study aims to understand the natural history of bronchiectasis and identify inherited and immune factors that may explain why some people have repeated infections. The research focuses primarily on bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis, although some comparisons with cystic fibrosis and immune defects may be made. Participants include individuals aged 5 years and older with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis or a history of chronic respiratory infections. Family members of patients may also be invited to participate. The study involves initial clinical evaluations, medical history collection, quality of life and respiratory symptom questionnaires, and standard tests like nose air sampling, imaging (x-rays or CT scans), lung function tests, and collection of blood, urine, and sputum samples. These procedures help researchers study infection susceptibility and disease mechanisms. Participants will be followed at least every 6 months for the first 2 years, then at intervals of 1 to 5 years, for up to 5 years or until they choose to stop. During visits, researchers will monitor disease progression, treatment outcomes, and underlying causes. Samples for genetic testing and further analysis will be collected from patients and relatives. Standard medical care and treatments will continue as needed to prevent infections and disease worsening throughout the study.

Natural History of Bronchiectasis