treatment in order to derive benefit. Dr Michael Loebinger (London) gave an excellent talk on the growing worldwide problem of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. Although the incidence is increasing at rate of 2.9-8.2% per year, it is also frequently underdiagnosed and underestimated(23). Data point to a unique immunological phenotype and even morphotype and Dr Loebinger presented data again linking NTM infection with defects interferon gamma. The final presentation on the role of macrolides provided an excellent platform for discussion. Several trials now support the use of macrolides in bronchiectasis but there is no agreement on the best choice of drug, duration or dose. Dr Hill (Edinburgh) provided the evidence to date(24). Statins were once promoted as a panacea to treat a range of inflammatory airways diseases. Animal and experimental models of asthma, COPD and infections show remarkable anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical trials have been very disappointing, most recently an RCT of 885 COPD patients randomized to simvastatin or placebo found no impact on exacerbations(25). Statins made a minor comeback at the winter meeting with a report by Mandal et al that atorvastatin significantly improved cough in a randomized controlled trial (30 patients atorvastatin vs 30 patients receiving placebo), possibly by promoting neutrophil apoptosis(26). Trial et al used a recently described severity assessment tool for bronchiectasis to study the extent of bronchiectasis in patients with primary immunodeficiency(27, 28). They found that, consistent with other reports, patients managed in specialist immunodeficiency services have a good prognosis
treatment in order to derive benefit. Dr Michael Loebinger (London) gave an excellent talk on the growing worldwide problem of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. Although the incidence is increasing at rate of 2.9-8.2% per year, it is also frequently underdiagnosed and underestimated(23). Data point to a unique immunological phenotype and even morphotype and Dr Loebinger presented data again linking NTM infection with defects interferon gamma. The final presentation on the role of macrolides provided an excellent platform for discussion. Several trials now support the use of macrolides in bronchiectasis but there is no agreement on the best choice of drug, duration or dose. Dr Hill (Edinburgh) provided the evidence to date(24). Statins were once promoted as a panacea to treat a range of inflammatory airways diseases. Animal and experimental models of asthma, COPD and infections show remarkable anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical trials have been very disappointing, most recently an RCT of 885 COPD patients randomized to simvastatin or placebo found no impact on exacerbations(25). Statins made a minor comeback at the winter meeting with a report by Mandal et al that atorvastatin significantly improved cough in a randomized controlled trial (30 patients atorvastatin vs 30 patients receiving placebo), possibly by promoting neutrophil apoptosis(26). et al used a recently described severity assessment tool for bronchiectasis to study the extent of bronchiectasis in patients with primary immunodeficiency(27, 28). They found that, consistent with other reports, patients managed in specialist immunodeficiency services have a good prognosis Trial