Correlation between the sputum bacteriology and lung function in patients with stable bronchiectasis

Abstract

Rationale: To study the correlation between the sputum bacteriology and lung function in patients with stable bronchiectasis. Materials and methods: 80 patients suffering from stable bronchiectasis belonging to both the sexes and age above 14 years were included in study. All patients were assessed clinically with detailed history and thorough clinical examination. Patients were subjected to assessment of microbiological flora in their sputum. Lung functions were measured with spirometry and parameters recorded were PEFR in l/ min, FEV1 in litres, FVC in litres, and FEV1/FVC. Sputum samples of +1 and +2 grade were inoculated on blood agar, MacConkey’s agar and chocolate agar at 37°C for 48 hours. Results: P aeruginosa was seen as the most common colonizing bacteria and these patients had de-creased % predicted FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEFR with mean values of 43.61±14.6, 51.87±16.8, 79.83±14.6, 42.17±14.6 respectively as compared to patients of non P aeruginosa group. The % predicted FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEFR in non P aeruginosa group were 47.67±21.8, 59.32±22.8, 81.89±17.7, 49.58±21.7 respectively. Though the values of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEFR in P aeruginosa group were decreased they were not statistically significant. Conclusion: P aeruginosa was the main colonizing bacteria especially in patients having air fluid levels on radiology which can also be a predictor of bacterial colonization. Lung functions were de-creased in patients having P Aeruginosa in their sputum as compared to non P Aeruginosa group but they were statistically not significant.