A systematic review of lung clearance index in non-cystic fibrosis, non-primary ciliary dyskinesia bronchiectasis

Background: Non cystic fibrosis, non primary ciliary dyskinesia bronchiectasis (nCFnPCD-BE) results in significant morbidity with few evidence-based treatments.

Objective: assessments are required to assess severity and evaluate treatment. Lung clearance index (LCI) measures ventilation inhomogeneity and is a sensitive test of disease in CF; its use in nCFnPCD-BE is unclear.

Methods: A systematic review of LCI in nCFnPCD-BE was performed using standard methodology (protocol registered on PROSPERO, University of York).

Results: Of 276 records identified, 12 articles, describing 519 adult and paediatric patients in cross-sectional studies were included, addressing several domains.

1: What is the utility of LCI in detecting disease and severity?

LCI detected disease in adults, differentiating bronchiectasis from controls (AUC 0.90 to 0.96) and mild from moderate/severe bronchiectasis on CT (AUC 0.73).

2: Does LCI correlate with spirometry and imaging?

LCI correlated with spirometry in adult (r = −0.37 to −0.61) and paediatric (r = −0.6) groups, signs of bronchiectasis on CT, and CT scoring systems (modified Reiff).

3: Does LCI relate to subjective scores of severity?

In adults, LCI correlated with St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (r = 0.18) and Bronchiectasis Severity Index (r = 0.45).

4: Does LCI identify response to intervention?

LCI did not change in studies examining LCI pre-post intervention (adults treated for exacerbation and undergoing physiotherapy). Overall study quality was variable.

Conclusion: Contrary to data in CF, the review did not identify good quality studies defining the role of LCI in children with bronchiectasis. In adults, LCI was a sensitive measure of disease severity and correlated with clinical assessment tools.