Implications of early inflammation and infection in cystic fibrosis: A review of new and potential interventions

Airway infection and inflammation occur early in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, suggesting the need for early treatment. Our current approach to routine management of CF includes a comprehensive, CF center-directed program that aims at maintaining normal nutrition and delaying the progression of lung disease. Regular secretion clearance, frequent antibiotics, and bronchodilators are commonly used. However, despite this early, aggressive, comprehensive management, airway inflammation and infection progress. Several other recent approaches such as the use of corticosteroids and ibuprofen to decrease inflammation, as well as dornase alfa to thin secretions and improve pulmonary function, are under investigation in young children. Other potential treatments include amiloride/uridine triphosphate and hypertonic saline aerosol. Early treatment offers the promise of reducing morbidity as well as delaying the progression of later disease. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.