Background: There is a paucity of data on incidence, prevalence and mortality associated with non-CF bronchiectasis.
Methods: Using Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) for participants registered between 1st January 2004 and 31st December 2013, we determined incidence, prevalence and mortality associated with bronchiectasis in the UK and investigated changes over time.
Results: The incidence and point prevalence of bronchiectasis increased yearly during the study period. Across all age groups, the incidence in women increased from 21.2/100,000 person-years in 2004 to 35.2/100,000 person-years in 2013, and in men from 18.2/100,000 person-years in 2004 to 26.9/100,000 person-years in 2013. The point prevalence in women increased from 350.5/100,000 in 2004 to 566.1/100,000 in 2013 and in men from 301.2/100,000 to 485.5/100,000 in 2013. Comparing morality rates in women and men with bronchiectasis in England and Wales (n=11,862) to mortality rates in the general population from ONS data, showed that in women the age adjusted mortality rate for the bronchiectasis population was 1437.7/100,000 and for the general population 635.9/100,000; (comparative mortality figure of 2.26). In men, the age adjusted mortality rate for the bronchiectasis population was 1914.6/100,000 and for the general population 895.2/100,000; (comparative mortality figure of 2.14).
Conclusion: Bronchiectasis is surprisingly common and is increasing in incidence and prevalence in the UK, particularly in older age groups. Bronchiectasis is associated with a markedly increased mortality.