Changes in Lung Function in Young Cystic Fibrosis Patients Between Two Courses of Intravenous Antibiotics Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background and Aims: Repeated intravenous antibiotic therapy (IVAT) against chronic pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often necessary in cystic fibrosis patients (CF). The aim of this study was to monitor kinetics of degradation of pulmonary and nutritional status after IVAT in CF patients. Methods: Lung function, nutritional status and physical activity (PA) were measured for 21 CF patients (mean +/- SD age, 16 +/- 1.9 years; 9 boys) who were chronically colonized by P. aeruginosa Each parameter was measured every 15 days during 3-6 months. Results: Nutritional status as well as PA did not change in the interval of 2 IVAT. In contrary, lung function worsened with a decrease of -14.6% of the FEV1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In CF, there is a progressive decrease in lung function without any evident deterioration of nutritional status and PA between two IVAT. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:464-471. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.