Inhaling antibiotics to treat lung infection in people with cystic fibrosis

Ryan G, Singh M, Dwan K

Published Online:

March 16, 2011

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease which results in abnormal mucus in several parts of the body. The main organ affected is the lungs which are susceptible to infection by certain bacteria, the most frequently isolated being Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infection causes inflammation that results in progressive damage to the lungs. We aimed to find out if inhaling antibiotics would reduce the effects of infection. We wanted to learn whether this treatment would improve lung function, quality of life and survival. We also looked for any adverse events. This review includes 19 trials with 1724 people. We found that inhaling an antibiotic to fight these bacteria improved lung function during the study and reduced frequency of exacerbations. However, there was more resistance to antibiotics, tinnitus and change in voice in the treatment groups. Further research is needed to show whether the benefits can be maintained in the long-term and to work out the best antibiotic to use and at what dose.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Inhaled antibiotics are commonly used to treat persistent airway infection that contributes to lung damage in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Objectives:

To examine the evidence that inhaled antibiotic treatment in people with CF reduces frequency of exacerbations of infection, and improves lung function, quality of life and survival. To examine adverse effects of inhaled antibiotic treatment.

Search strategy:

Trials were identified from the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register.

Last search: 31 January 2011.

Selection criteria:

Trials were selected if inhaled antibiotic treatment was used for at least four weeks in people with CF, treatment allocation was randomised or quasi-randomised, and there was a control group (either placebo, no placebo or another inhaled antibiotic).

Data collection and analysis:

Two authors independently selected trials, judged the risk of bias and extracted data from these trials.

Main results:

The searches identified 176 citations to 78 trials. Nineteen trials, with 1724 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Adequate meta-analysis was not possible because of the variability of study design and reporting of results. Seventeen trials with 1562 participants compared an inhaled antibiotic with placebo or usual treatment for a duration between 1 and 32 months. Inhaled tobramycin was studied in eight trials. Lung function (measured as forced expired volume in one second) was higher and exacerbations of lung infection (by different measures) were less in the antibiotic-treated group. Resistance to antibiotics increased more in the antibiotic-treated group than in placebo group when results were reported. No auditory or renal impairment was found; analysis showed tinnitus, voice alteration, hemoptysis and cough were more frequent with tobramycin than placebo. One trial, compared tobramycin with colistin in 115 participants, after one month the mean difference in forced expiratory volume at one second was 6.33 (95% confidence interval -0.04 to 12.70) favouring tobramycin.

Authors' conclusions:

Inhaled antibiotic treatment probably improves lung function and reduces exacerbation rate, but a pooled estimate of the level of benefit is not possible. The best evidence is for inhaled tobramycin. More evidence, from trials of longer duration, is needed to determine whether this benefit is maintained and to determine the significance of development of antibiotic-resistant organisms.

This record should be cited as:

Ryan G, Singh M, Dwan K. Inhaled antibiotics for long-term therapy in cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD001021. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001021.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

February 1, 2011

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Primary Review Group:

Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group

Health topics:

Genetic disorders > Cystic fibrosis > Antibiotic treatment

Genetic disorders > Cystic fibrosis > Inhaled therapy & aerosol delivery

Lungs & airways > Cystic fibrosis > Antibiotic treatment

Lungs & airways > Cystic fibrosis > Inhaled therapy & aerosol delivery

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Inhaling antibiotics to treat lung infection in people with cystic fibrosis

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