Clinical releveance of hemorrhagic component of endobronchial inflammation in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation.

Aim: The study aimed at investigating the relationship between severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hemorrhagic component of endobronchial inflammation.

Materials And Methods: Clinico-endoscopic characteristics of 118 patients presenting with severe infectious exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bloody expectorations and endoscopically confirmed hemorrhagic component of endobronchial inflammation have been analyzed. All patients underwent a series (5-6) of bronchoscopic examinations accompanied by collection of bronchoalveolar lavage specimens to reveal the presence of acid-resistant mycobacteria and to determine the bacterial flora.