Elective (regular) regimens of intravenous anti-pseudomonal antibiotics may have a place in the management of cystic fibrosis

Breen L, Aswani N

Published Online:

July 7, 2010

Chronic infection of the airways by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in people with cystic fibrosis is associated with deterioration in respiratory function. Intravenous antibiotics are the standard therapy for pulmonary exacerbations caused by this micro-organism. Many centres advocate the use of elective (regular) three-monthly antibiotics to reduce the frequency of exacerbations and therefore slow the deterioration of lung function. Alternatively, intravenous antibiotics are only prescribed when symptoms indicate. Elective therapy may encourage multi-resistance to antibiotics. This review aimed to identify randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that evaluated the results of the two different approaches. No clear conclusions were identified.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the commonest micro-organism associated with respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis. Retrospective studies have suggested that using an aggressive policy of intravenous anti-pseudomonal antibiotics at regular intervals, irrespective of symptoms, increases survival.

Objectives:

To determine whether there is evidence that an elective (regular) versus symptomatic intravenous antibiotic regimen is associated with an improvement in clinical status and survival rates in people with cystic fibrosis. To identify any adverse effects associated with the use of elective intravenous antibiotics, including an increase in the development of resistant organisms.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.

Date of the most recent search of the Group's Trials Register: 22 April 2010.

Selection criteria:

All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials describing the use of elective compared with symptomatic intravenous antibiotic policies for any duration or dose regimen. Elective versus symptomatic intravenous antibiotic regimens against any organisms were considered. People with cystic fibrosis of any age or disease severity were included.

Data collection and analysis:

Both authors independently assessed trial eligibility and quality; both extracted the data.

Main results:

Searches identified four studies. Two studies reporting results from a total of 79 participants were included in the review. Differences in study design and objectives meant that data could not be pooled for meta-analysis. Neither study demonstrated significant differences in outcome measures between intervention and comparison groups.

Authors' conclusions:

Studies are insufficient to identify conclusive evidence favouring a policy of elective intravenous antibiotic administration, despite its widespread use, neither are the potential risks adequately evaluated. The results should be viewed with caution, as participant numbers are small. Clearly there is a need for a well-designed, adequately-powered, multicentred randomised controlled trial to evaluate these issues.

This record should be cited as:

Breen L, Aswani N. Elective versus symptomatic intravenous antibiotic therapy for cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002767. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002767

Assessed as up to date:

August 13, 2008

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Primary Review Group:

Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group

Health topics:

Genetic disorders > Cystic fibrosis > Antibiotic treatment

Lungs & airways > Cystic fibrosis > Antibiotic treatment

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Elective (regular) regimens of intravenous anti-pseudomonal antibiotics may have a place in the management of cystic fibrosis

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