Antibiotic strategies for eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa in people with cystic fibrosis

Background Lower respiratory tract infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurs in most people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Once chronic infection is established, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is virtually impossible to eradicate and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Early infection may be easier to eradicate. Objectives To determine whether antibiotic treatment of early Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in children and adults with CF eradicates the organism, improves clinical and microbiological outcome and is superior to or more cost-effective than other strategies. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane CF and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Most recent search: 11 December 2008. Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of people with CF, in whom Pseudomonas aeruginosa had recently been isolated from respiratory secretions. We compared combinations of inhaled, oral or intravenous antibiotics with placebo, usual treatment or other combinations of inhaled, oral or intravenous antibiotics. We excluded non-randomised trials, cross-over trials, and those utilising historical controls. Data collection and analysis Both authors independently selected trials, assessed methodological quality and extracted data. Main results The search identified 25 trials. Four trials ( 95 participants) were eligible for inclusion; two trials are ongoing. Evidence from two trials showed treatment of early Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection with inhaled tobramycin results in microbiological eradication of the organism from respiratory secretions more often than placebo, OR 0.15 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.65) and that this effect may persist for up to 12 months. These trials were of low methodological quality. The only identified RCT of oral ciprofloxacin and nebulised colistin versus usual treatment was of poor methodological quality. Results suggested treatment of early infection results in microbiological eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa more often than usual treatment, after two years, OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.96). There is insufficient evidence to determine whether antibiotic strategies for the eradication of early Pseudomonas aeruginosa decrease mortality or morbidity, improve quality of life, or are associated with adverse effects compared to placebo or standard treatment. Authors' conclusions We found that nebulised antibiotics, alone or in combination with oral antibiotics, were better than no treatment for early infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eradication may be sustained in the short term. Overall, there is insufficient evidence from this review to state which antibiotic strategy should be used for the eradication of early Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in CF.