Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular–associated mortality in patients with preceding bronchiectasis exacerbation

Background: Bronchiectasis is associated with an increased incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCaVD) and atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease (ASCeVD). Its effect on associated mortality is unclear. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of bronchiectasis exacerbation prior to ASCaVD or ASCeVD events on mortality in patients with bronchiectasis using a large population–based database. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with bronchiectasis who experienced ASCaVD ( n = 1066) or ASCeVD ( n = 825) was studied for the first time using a nationwide population–based database (National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, Korea, 2002–2015). We classified each cohort according to the presence of moderate bronchiectasis exacerbation within 1 year before the ASCaVD or ASCeVD event. We evaluated 90-day, 1-year, and all-cause mortalities risk. Results: Within 1 year before the index ASCaVD or ASCeVD event, 149 (13.9%) and 112 (13.6%) patients with bronchiectasis experienced moderate exacerbation(s), respectively. Mild exacerbations did not different in frequency between the survivors and nonsurvivors. In both cohorts, more nonsurvivors experienced moderate exacerbations than survivors. The odds ratios of 90-day and 1-year mortalities and hazard ratios of all-cause mortalities on experiencing moderate exacerbations were 2.27 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–4.10], 3.30 (95% CI = 2.03–5.38), and 1.78 (95% CI = 1.35–2.34) in the bronchiectasis-ASCaVD cohort and 1.73 (95% CI = 0.94–3.19), 1.79 (95% CI = 1.07–3.00), and 1.47 (95% CI = 1.10–1.95), in the bronchiectasis-ASCeVD cohort. Conclusion: Hospitalization or emergency room visit for bronchiectasis exacerbation within 1 year before ASCaVD or ASCeVD is associated with an increased ASCaVD- or ASCeVD-associated mortality.