The cross-sectional area of the pectoralis major muscle and future exacerbations in patients presenting with bronchiectasis exacerbation: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the cross-sectional area of the pectoralis major muscle (PMMCSA), measured via chest CT, can serve as a biomarker for predicting 1-year outcomes in patients previously hospitalized for bronchiectasis exacerbation(BE).

METHODS

Upon admission, the PMMCSA of patients with BE was calculated on the basis of chest CT imaging. Multivariate Cox and Poisson regression analyses were used to analyse the associations between the PMMCSA and the risk of 1-year first rehospitalization, all-cause mortality, and the frequency of rehospitalization for BE.

RESULT: In total, 241 patients with BE were included in the present study. Fourteen patients died within 1 year after discharge from the hospital. A total of 80 patients had 143 rehospitalizations for BE within 1 year after discharge from the hospital. Cox regression analysis revealed that a PMMCSA<37.51cm2 was a risk factor for 1-year first hospitalization for BE. Poisson regression analysis revealed that a PMMCSA <37.51cm2 was a risk factor for the frequency of rehospitalization for BE. Cox regression analyses revealed that the PMMCSA was not associated with 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

A PMMCSA<37.51cm2 was a risk factor for 1-year first hospitalization and frequency of rehospitalization in patients with BE but was not associated with 1-year mortality.