This study is an extension of previous chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) (includes non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis) studies. The study is being conducted in the Northern Territory (Australia), Alaska and in New Zealand. The Australian arm is being run in Darwin, Maningrida, Wadeye, Wurrumiyanga, and the APY Lands.

This study aims to evaluate long term clinical outcomes of Indigenous children previously enrolled in our BE studies.

The specific research objectives are to evaluate the longer-term clinical and lung function outcomes and their associated risk factors in Indigenous children of adolescents from Australia, Alaska, and New Zealand who participated in our previous CSLD or bronchiectasis studies during 2004-2010. 

Findings

We found that with increasing age, rates of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) declined, while lung function was mostly within population norms (median forced expiry volume in one-second = 90% predicted, interquartile range [IQR]: 81-105; forced vital capacity [FVC] = 98% predicted, IQR: 85-114).

Their overall global rating judged by symptoms, including ALRI frequency, examination findings, and spirometry was well (20.3%), stable (43.9%), or improved (35.8%). However, 43 out of 111 (38.7%) reported chronic cough episodes.

Main publication:  2020;55(4):975-985  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32096916

Lead investigator
Dr Gabrielle McCallum
Chief investigator
Professor Anne Chang
Project period