Which of the following may be a complication of bronchiectasis seen in cystic fibrosis?

In cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis is a common consequence due to the thick, viscous mucus that obstructs the airways, leading to chronic inflammation and dilation of the bronchi. One of the primary complications associated with bronchiectasis in patients with cystic fibrosis is recurrent infections. The accumulation of mucus provides an ideal environment for bacterial colonization and infection, particularly by organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These recurrent infections can lead to further lung damage, exacerbating the bronchiectasis and causing a cycle of worsening lung function.

While other complications such as hemorrhage, pneumothorax, and respiratory failure can occur in patients with bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis, they are not as directly correlated with the bronchiectatic changes caused by the disease itself. In this context, recurrent infections stand out as a direct result of the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis in cystic fibrosis, making it the correct choice.