Risk factors for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in Croatia

The incidence, geographical distribution and clinical relevance of different nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in Croatia are well described. There few data on the risk factors for developing NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) this setting. We conducted a retrospective cohort study all Croatian residents with isolated from respiratory samples period 2006 to 2015 follow-up 2018. American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society America (ATS/IDSA) guidelines were used establish NTM-PD diagnosis. Clinical, radiological treatment collected hospital records. Risk analysis calculations made 439 isolation episodes that classified as definitive (n = 137) or no 302). Female gender, presence bronchiectasis, low BMI long-term systemic corticosteroid independent associated NTM-PD. Hemoptysis malaise presenting symptoms independently Chronic obstructive (COPD) low/moderate dose inhaled (ICS) not High ICS was significant factor (aOR 4.73, CI 1.69-13.23 p 0.003). patients similar those other published cohorts terms their characteristics factors. dose-dependent association between use adds body evidence suggesting high is