A Prospective Observational Study Evaluating the PRogression Of BronchiEctasis in COPD Patients - Results from the PROBE - COPD Study.

Background: Bronchiectasis is increasingly recognised in individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with adverse outcomes. However, data on its temporal course and risk factors for progression in advanced COPD remain limited. Objective: The study aimed to assess the progression of bronchiectasis in stage E COPD patients over one-year, identify factors contributing to its advancement, and compare clinical outcomes between patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis and those without the condition. Methods: Patients with stage E COPD underwent high-resolution CT (HRCT) and were classified according to whether bronchiectasis present or absent at baseline. All participants were followed for 12 months, with quarterly clinical evaluation, six-monthly sputum culture, spirometry, and repeat HRCT at one-year. Progression of bronchiectasis, decline in lung function, exacerbations, hospitalisations, and mortality were assessed. Predictors of progression were explored using univariate analysis. Results: Of the 104 patients, 33 (31.7%) had bronchiectasis at baseline. At one-year, 22 of these (66.67%) showed radiological progression and 8 (24.2%) remained stable Among the 71 without bronchiectasis, new bronchiectasis developed in 37 (52.1%). Frequent exacerbations (≥2/year) occurred more often in patients with bronchiectasis compared to those without (84.8% vs. 75.8%, P=0.023). Hospitalisation rates were also higher in the bronchiectasis group (60.6% vs. 35.2%, P<0.001). Conclusion: Bronchiectasis was present in one-third of stage E COPD patients at baseline, and more than half of those without bronchiectasis developed new lesions during follow-up. COPD patients with bronchiectasis had higher exacerbation frequency, hospitalisations, and greater progression of disease, underscoring its role as a poor prognostic marker in advanced COPD.