Nontreatment Factors Affect Outcome in MAC Lung Disease

In a retrospective analysis conducted in Japan, fibrocavitary disease, anemia, low body-mass index, and elevated C-reactive protein level were associated with increased risk for MAC-specific death.

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common cause of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Five types of MAC lung disease (MAC-LD), including nodular/bronchiectatic (NB) and fibrocavitary (FB), have been identified based on radiographic features. Treatment varies according to the potential risks and benefits of therapy. However, limited data exist on the factors that may affect outcome.

To rectify this situation, investigators at a respiratory center in Japan reviewed the medical records of HIV-negative adults who received a new diagnosis of MAC-LD between 1999 and 2005. Among these 634 patients, 482 (76.0%) had NB disease, 105 (16.6%) had FC disease, 30 (4.7%) had both FC and NB (FC+NB) disease, and 17 (2.7%) had other pulmona…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Nontreatment Factors Affect Outcome in MAC Lung Disease

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Reviewing Author