A retrospective analysis of risk factors for massive hemoptysis in patients with bronchiectasis

Background Massive hemoptysis is a common and fatal complication of bronchiectasis. However, the risk factors for massive hemoptysis in patients with bronchiectasis have not yet been reported. This study investigated the potential risk factors for massive hemoptysis in patients with bronchiectasis. Methods This retrospective study included patients with bronchiectasis and their data were obtained from medical records. The risk factors for massive hemoptysis were evaluated by multivariate analysis of patient characteristics, medical history, and computed tomography imaging data, including the number of lesions, lesion location, and laboratory findings. Results Among 379 patients, 61 (16.09%) experienced severe hemoptysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that diabetes (odds ratio (OR) 2.885; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.009–8.247), lesions involving two lobes (OR 4.347; 95% CI 1.960–9.638) and three lobes (OR 2.787; 95% CI 1.055–7.363) were significant predictors of severe hemoptysis. However, a disease course between 1 and 5 years (OR 0.300; 95% CI 0.112–0.801) and involvement of the left lower lobe (OR 0.394; 95% CI 0.196–0.793) were protective factors for the prevention of massive hemoptysis. Lesions in the right upper lobe were more likely to cause massive hemoptysis (OR 1.458) than involvement of other lobes. Conclusions Diabetes and lesions involving two and three lobes, were risk factors for massive hemoptysis in patients with bronchiectasis. Disease duration between 1 and 5 years and involvement of the left lower lobe were protective factors, while lesions in the right upper lobe had a stronger relationship with massive hemoptysis in patients with bronchiectasis.