Management of pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis: still an unmet medical need in clinical practice

Autors de IIS La Fe

• Amparo Solé Jover

  Autor

• Elena Quintana Gallego

  Autor

• Silvia Gartner

  Autor

• María Concepcion Prados Sanchez

  Autor

Autors aliens a IIS La Fe

• Justicia JL
• de Gracia J
• Máiz L

Grups d'Investigació

• Infección Grave

  

  Investigador Principal

  María Ángeles Tormo Mas

Abstract

Pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis. Although several criteria have been proposed for the definition of PEx, no consensus has yet been reached. Very often, many PEx cases go unreported. A standardized and validated definition is needed to reduce variability in clinical practice. The pathophysiology of recurrent episodes remains unclear, and both onset and risk are multifactorial. PEx leads to increased healthcare costs, impaired quality of life and a cycle in which PEx causes loss of lung function, which predisposes to further episodes. The number of episodes affects survival. Although early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are highly recommended, measures to prevent the emergence of new PEx are even more important. In particular, inhaled antibiotics administered under new treatment schedules could play a key role in preventing exacerbations and thus delay decline in lung function and reduce mortality. The primary objective is zero exacerbations.

Keywords

• cystic fibrosis; inhaled antibiotics; prevention; prognosis; pulmonary exacerbations