Evaluation of exacerbation factors and CRP in stable bronchiectasis by BSI and E-FACED indices

Aim This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and exacerbation frequency in patients with stable bronchiectasis, specifically focusing on subgroup analyses of parameters within the E-FACED and bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) severity scores. Methods A total of 107 stable bronchiectasis patients diagnosed via high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were enrolled. Pulmonary function tests and quantitative serum CRP measurements were performed. Disease severity was assessed using the E-FACED (0-9 points) and BSI (0-26 points) scoring systems. Results The mean BSI and E-FACED scores were 7.23 ± 4.92 and 3.46 ± 2.63, respectively. CRP levels increased significantly with disease severity (p=0.005 for BSI; p=0.020 for E-FACED). CRP showed significant correlations with Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁)%. Exacerbation frequency correlated strongly with BSI, E-FACED, hospitalizations, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, and FEV₁%. While exacerbation rates were significantly higher in patients with comorbid asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than in those with bronchiectasis alone (p