Is non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease common in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis?
NTM infections are common in non-CF bronchiectasis. MAC is the most frequently isolated NTM in these patients. There is also great variability in age and sex characteristics for NTM in non-CF bronchiectasis patients. Female patients with a low BMI are a high risk group for NTM infection in non-CF bronchiectasis. Routine screening for NTM is strongly recommended in this patient population.
Folic acid significantly improves endothelial function in otherwise healthy cigarette smokers. This provides a potential therapeutic tool in attenuating the atheromatous process in this group.