Efficacy and Safety of Bronchoalveolar Lavage with Acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Bronchiectasis with Infection in Adults: a Multicentre, Blinded, Randomised Controlled Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the treatment of bronchiectasis, a condition with chronic cough, sputum production, and airway changes seen on lung imaging, often worsening with acute exacerbations. This study aims to evaluate whether bronchoscopic lavage using N-acetylcysteine combined with conventional treatment offers more benefit compared to conventional treatment alone or with saline lavage. The trial is a multicenter, blinded, randomized controlled study focusing on adults with bronchiectasis experiencing acute worsening of symptoms. The study involves 180 adult patients divided into three groups: one receiving standard treatment including anti-infective and expectorant therapies; a second group receiving saline bronchoalveolar lavage alongside standard care; and a third group receiving bronchoalveolar lavage with N-acetylcysteine plus saline in addition to conventional treatment. The lavage is administered with 90 ml per affected lung lobe, up to two lobes, totaling 180 ml. This setup allows comparison of the effects of different lavage solutions combined with usual care. Participants will be monitored for six months to assess the timing of acute exacerbations as the primary outcome. Secondary measures include changes in symptom scores such as mMRC, CAT, LCQ, and SGQR after one month, frequency of exacerbations, adverse effects, and need for repeat lavage. The study includes clinical evaluations, symptom questionnaires, and safety monitoring to understand the potential benefits and risks of adding N-acetylcysteine lavage to bronchiectasis treatment.

Value of Bronchoalveolar Lavage with Acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Bronchiectasis.