Introduction:Acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis (AEB) are a frequent complication of the disease. However,the factors related to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in AEB are not well known.The aim of our study was to identify the predisposing factors to the use of NIV during AEB.

Methods:A retrospective study including 120 patients hospitalized in the pneumology department D of A.Mami Hospital in Ariana for AEB between 2015 and 2021.Patients were divided into two groups according to the indication of NIV during the AEB:G1 with NIV(n=21),G2 without NIV(n=99).

Results:Our population consisted of 88 women and 32 men,with a mean age of 62,8±14,6 years.No significant difference between the two groups regarding age(0,5),sex(0,4),smoking history(0,7) and comorbidities:Hight blood pressure(p=1),diabetes(p=0,1) and heart failure(p=0,8).The use of NIV during AEB was correlated with the paO2(54,13±5,32 in G1 Vs 72,69±13,87mmHg in G2,p=0,00), the paCO2(50,57±11,14 in G1 Vs 37,66±7,77mmHg in G2,p=0,00) the pH(7,38±0,05 in G1 Vs 7,42±0,41 in G2,p=0,003) and the number of lobes affected by Bronchiectasis(p=0,02). The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients requiring NIV(17,90±4,91in G1 Vs 11,61±6,64 days in G2,p=0,001). NIV use was significantly associated with the number of exacerbations per year (2,81±0,814 in G1 Vs 1,90±0,763 in G2,p=0,001) and the number of exacerbations requiring intensive care hospitalization(p=0,05).A significant correlation was noted between the use of NIV during AEB and the use of long-term oxygen therapy(p=0,001). 

Conclusion:Our study showed that the use of NIV during AEB was related to the extent of the disease and to the severity of clinical presentation.