The heterogeneity of bronchiectasis patient characteristics, management and outcomes across Europe: Data from the EMBARC registry

Introduction: Bronchiectasis(BE) is heterogeneous. Recent trials suggest differences in patient treatment responses across different countries. We aimed to explore country by country differences in patient characteristics and outcomes. Methods: European Registry in >27 countries. Results: 11204 patients were studied(Mean age 65yrs, 60% female) Marked differences in patient characteristics were observed between countries. Idiopathic BE rates ranged from 56% in Israel to 20.3% in Spain. Post-TB BE accounted for>20% of cases in Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Moldova but was rare in Northern Europe. In sputum, H. influenzae was the most common organism in Northern Europe while P.aeruginosa was most common in Southern Europe. Bronchiectasis severity scores were higher in Eastern vs Western Europe (p Quality of life was worse in Eastern Europe with differences in the physical, social and emotional domains of the QOL-B questionnaire(all p Conclusions: Bronchiectasis show diverse characteristics, microbiology and outcomes across different European countries. Supported by EU/EFPIA IMI iABC grant agreement n° 115721.