To observe the benefits and safety of low-dose azithromycin maintenance treatment on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis.

Thirty-seven adult bronchiectasis patients accompanied with chronic purulent respiratory tract symptoms were selected, and all the patients were given azithromycin 250 mg oral, once/d for 12 months. The respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function and quality of life before treatment and 16, 52 weeks after treatment were observed.

Among 37 patients with bronchiectasis, 3 cases were lost, 1 case was in the follow-up of the 16th week, and 2 cases exited because of acute exacerbation. There were no statistical differences in body mass index (BMI) and inspiratory capacity percentage of estimated value (IC% Pred) before treatment, 16 and 52 weeks after treatment (P >0.05). The C-reactive protein (CRP), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁)/forced ventilatory capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity percentage of estimated value (FEF_25-75% Pred), modified British medical research council dyspnea scale (mMRC) score 16 and 52 weeks after treatment were significantly better than those before treatment: (15.33±4.00) and (9.21±3.04) mg/L vs. (25.59±9.82) mg/L, (75.94±5.59) % and (75.52±7.06)% vs. (72.14±5.62)%, (60.22±10.90)% and (63.73±6.54)% vs. (55.44±9.16)%, (1.75±0.69) and (1.41±0.56) scores vs. (2.19±0.74) scores; the low respiratory tract infection visual analog scale (LRTI-VAS) score, FEV₁ percentage of estimated value (FEV₁% Pred) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) score 52 weeks after treatment were significantly better than those before treatment: (17.74±3.76) scores vs. (21.57±4.47) scores, (70.31±4.07)% vs. (66.95±5.48)% and (18.06±3.32) scores vs. (21.54±4.89) scores, and there were statistical differences (P <0.05). In the course of treatment, 5 cases might be associated with the drug adverse reactions, but the symptoms were mild. No patients exited because of adverse reaction. Five patients had 7 episodes of acute exacerbation, among whom 2 cases exited and the other 3 cases did not interrupt azithromycin treatment during acute exacerbation.

For adult patients with bronchiectasis, the long-term treatment of low-dose azithromycin (250 mg/d) can improve the respiratory symptoms and quality of life, and reduce the airflow limitation of peripheral airway.

Bronchiectasis; Chronic suppurative lung disease; Quality of life; Azithromycin