The impact of TB on the risk of bronchiectasis: a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND Post-TB lung disease contributes substantially to long-term morbidity, with bronchiectasis being a frequent sequela. However, its incidence and risk factors at the population level remain poorly defined. METHODS We conducted a nationwide cohort study including 12,626 TB survivors diagnosed between 2013 and 2017, matched 1:3 by age and sex to 37,878 controls. Participants were followed until bronchiectasis diagnosis, death, or December 2018. Incidence, relative risks, and risk factors were assessed. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 5.4 years, 875 bronchiectasis cases occurred. TB survivors showed a higher incidence than controls (7.09 vs. 1.98 per 1,000 person-years; P CONCLUSION TB survivors had a markedly higher risk of bronchiectasis, highlighting the importance of vigilant follow-up and preventive strategies to reduce long-term respiratory complications. .