Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: Relationship to Clinical Parameters.

Abstract— The aim of this study was to assess diaphragm thickness (DT) and mobility (DM) and to investigate their relationship to clinical parameters in patients with non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis. Thirty-eight patients with non-CF bronchiectasis were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. DT was measured using ultrasound at different lung volumes (at residual volume [DTRV], functional residual capacity [DTFRC] and total lung capacity [DTTLC]). DM was measured using ultrasound during quiet breathing (DMQB) and deep breathing (DMDB). Disease severity, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity and physical activity were assessed. DTRV correlated with disease severity (ρ = 0.332, p = 0.042), FEV1% (r = 0.387, p = 0.016) and FVC% (r = 0.405, p = 0.012). DTFRC correlated with FVC% (r = 0.331, p = 0.042). DTTLC correlated with disease severity (r = 0.430, p = 0.007) and total physical activity time (r = 0.379, p = 0.019). DMDB correlated with disease severity (ρ = –0.380, p = 0.019), FEV1% (r = 0.369, p = 0.023) and FVC% (r = 0.405, p = 0.012). DT is related to disease severity, pulmonary function and physical activity, while DM is related to disease severity and pulmonary function in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis.