Routine monitoring tests
Mild-disease severity | Moderate - Severe | |
Severity Index scoring | baseline | baseline |
BMI (Body Mass Index) | annual | annual |
Exacerbation History | annual | 6 monthly |
Sputum Culture | annual | 6 monthly |
MRC Dyspnoea Score | annual | 6 monthly |
Spirometry | annual | annual |
CT (Radiological Extent) | at diagnosis*‡ | at diagnosis*‡ |
Sputum mycobacterial culture† | baseline‡ | baseline‡ |
Oxygen saturation monitoring (SpO2) | annual | 6 monthly |
Underlying cause investigations | at diagnosis‡ | at diagnosis‡ |
Comorbidities assessment | at diagnosis‡ | at diagnosis‡ |
*Consider repeat CT scanning in patients with primary immunodeficiency with scan interval of 3-5-years.380
†This may need tailored in light of the local prevalence rates of NTM infections and in some centres may need undertaken on a regular basis. Further cultures at exacerbation may be appropriate.
‡Repeat investigations if a deteriorating patient.