Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by abnormal bronchial dilation, often accompanied by inflammation and infection. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF α) has been implicated in inflammatory processes, and its role in bronchiectasis severity remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the correlation between serum TNF α levels and bronchiectasis severity using established scoring systems. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 96 patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis. Serum TNF α levels were measured and analysed in relation to clinical parameters, radiological features, and severity scores such as FACED and Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI). Statistical tests including the Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to identify significant associations. RESULTS: Elevated serum TNF α levels were significantly associated with fever, leukocytosis, recent hospital admissions, and bronchiectasis exacerbations. Patients with multi-lobar involvement and bilateral lung disease exhibited significantly higher TNF α levels (P = 0.01). Pseudomonas colonisation was linked to increased TNF α levels. Severity scoring demonstrated a strong association with TNF α levels, with higher values seen in patients categorised as moderate or severe by FACED and BSI scores. CONCLUSION: Serum TNF α levels are a potential biomarker for assessing bronchiectasis severity. Elevated TNF α levels were notably linked to exacerbations, microbial colonisation, and severe disease presentations, underscoring its clinical relevance in guiding prognosis and management strategies.