PULMONARY PERSPECTIVES®: Bronchiectasis

Conclusion

Bronchiectasis has experienced a resurgence in North America, and pulmonologists must be prepared to diagnose and treat patients and to keep our primary care colleagues up to date about bronchiectasis. Helpful recent reference/guideline publications include a comprehensive review (Clin Chest Med. 2012;33[2]:x1-404) and British Thoracic Society Guidelines (Thorax. 2010;65[suppl 1]:1-58). The Bronchiectasis Research Registry (www.cscc.unc.edu/bron), sponsored by the COPD Foundation, is currently enrolling patients in a multicenter database in order to better understand the demographics and natural history of this heterogeneous condition. Clinical trials for new therapies are currently underway (www.clinicaltrials.gov), and pulmonary specialists are encouraged to refer their patients for enrollment in studies aimed at understanding this "old" but new disease.

Dr. Anne E. O\'Donnell, FCCP

Professor of MedicineChief, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep MedicineGeorgetown University HospitalWashington, DC