Rhinosinusitis is associated with increased symptoms and more frequent exacerbations among patients with bronchiectasis- data from the EMBARC registry

Introduction: The presence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common in bronchiectasis, with a wide range of prevalence. Single center studies suggested that bronchiectasis patients with CRS had more frequent pulmonary exacerbations, but the effects on lung function and bacterial colonization are inconsistent. Our aim was to explore the prevalence of rhinosinusitis and its impact on disease severity in patients with bronchiectasis in EMBARC- a multinational bronchiectasis patient registry. Methods: Using data on patients with bronchiectasis registered to EMBARC, we classified patients with bronchiectasis as having CRS according to a physician reported diagnosis of ‘rhinosinusitis’ at baseline. Regression models were used to test the effect of rhinosinusitis on lung function decline, exacerbations and respiratory symptoms during 1 year of follow up. Results: Out of 10920 patients included, 2265 (20.7%) had CRS. At baseline, patients with CRS had better lung function (FEV1= 77% vs. 67%, p Conclusions: CRS is prevalent in bronchiectasis, its frequency may be underestimated in the EMBARC registry. Concomitant CRS is associated with more symptoms and mild- moderate exacerbations despite better lung function and less comorbidities.