Airway clearance management in people with bronchiectasis: data from the European Bronchiectasis Registry (EMBARC)

Background International guidelines recommend airway clearance management as one of the important pillars of bronchiectasis treatment. However, the extent to which airway clearance is used for people with bronchiectasis in Europe is unclear. The aim of the study was to identify the use of airway clearance management in patients with bronchiectasis across different countries and factors influencing airway clearance use. Methods Prospective observational study using data from the EMBARC Registry between January 2015 and April 2022. Pre-specified options for airway clearance management were recorded, including airway clearance techniques, devices and use of mucoactive drugs. Results 16 723 people with bronchiectasis from 28 countries were included in the study. Mean age was 67 years (interquartile range 57–74 years, range 18–100 years) and 61% were females. Seventy-two percent of the participants reported daily sputum expectoration and 52% (95% CI 51–53%) of all participants reported using regular airway clearance management. Active cycle of breathing technique was used by 28% of the patients and airway clearance devices by 16% of participants. The frequency of airway clearance management and techniques used varied significantly between different countries. Patients who used airway clearance management had greater disease severity and worse symptoms, including a higher daily sputum volume compared to those who did not use it regularly. Mucoactive drugs were also more likely to be used in patients with more severe disease. Access to specialist respiratory physiotherapy was low throughout Europe, but particularly low in Eastern Europe. Conclusions Only half of the people with bronchiectasis in Europe use airway clearance management. Use and access to devices, mucoactive drugs and specialist chest physiotherapy appears to be limited in many European countries.