Predictive value of the modified Bhalla score for assessment of pulmonary exacerbations in adults with cystic fibrosis

The serum bactericidal test has been used for many years for optimal assessment of the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in patients with infective endocarditis and other bacterial infections. Its capacity to predict the bacteriological outcome of acute pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis was evaluated. A total of 54 courses of intravenous antibiotic therapy were analyzed in 22 patients, whose ages ranged from 4 months to 24 years (mean age: 10 years). The serum bactericidal activity of blood samples, taken at expected peak and trough antibiotic levels on day 4 of therapy, were determined against the potentially pathogenic strains isolated in sputum at the time of admission. For 104 isolates (64 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 28 Staphulococcus aureus, and 12 Haemophilus influenzae strains), the peak and trough bactericidal titers were compared to bacteriological outcome. Bacteriological success was defined as a decrease of 2 log10 units or more in the bacterial density in sputum between days 0 and 7 of therapy. At peak antibiotic levels, serum bactericidal titers of 1:128 or more were 96% (all isolates) and 89% (P aeruginosa isolates), predictive of cure, whereas serum bactericidal titers of less than 1:16 were 100% predictive of failure for all infecting bacteria. In patients aged less than 18 years, the best peak titer for predicting success was 1:64, with a predictive value of 96% for titers of 1:64 or greater The peak titer that best predicted success in patients aged 18 years or more was 1:128, with a predictive value of only 83% for titers of 1:128 or greater. No trough serum bactericidal titer achieved statistical significance as a predictor of bacteriological outcome in the two patient age groups. Peak serum bactericidal titers of 1:64 or more (patients aged less than 18 years) and of 1:128 or more (patients aged 18 years or more) are recommended to provide optimal treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis.

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Predictive value of pulmonary function testing during pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis

Pediatric Pulmonology ◽

10.1002/ppul.1950160404 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 227-235 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Samuel M. Rosenberg ◽

Craig M. Schramm

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Pulmonary Function Testing ◽

Pulmonary Exacerbations ◽

Function Testing

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Variation in treatment preferences of pulmonary exacerbations among Australian and New Zealand cystic fibrosis physicians

BMJ Open Respiratory Research ◽

10.1136/bmjresp-2021-000956 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. e000956

Author(s):

Grace Currie ◽

Anna Tai ◽

Tom Snelling ◽

André Schultz

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

New Zealand ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Early Response ◽

Treatment Preferences ◽

Dornase Alfa ◽

Clinical Scenarios ◽

Professional Opinion ◽

Pulmonary Exacerbations

BackgroundDespite advances in cystic fibrosis (CF) management and survival, the optimal treatment of pulmonary exacerbations remains unclear. Understanding the variability in treatment approaches among physicians might help prioritise clinical uncertainties to address through clinical trials.MethodsPhysicians from Australia and New Zealand who care for people with CF were invited to participate in a web survey of treatment preferences for CF pulmonary exacerbations. Six typical clinical scenarios were presented; three to paediatric and another three to adult physicians. For each scenario, physicians were asked to choose treatment options and provide reasons for their choices.ResultsForty-nine CF physicians (31 paediatric and 18 adult medicine) participated; more than half reported 10+ years of experience. There was considerable variation in primary antibiotic selection; none was preferred by more than half of respondents in any scenario. For secondary antibiotic therapy, respondents consistently preferred intravenous tobramycin and a third antibiotic was rarely prescribed, except in one scenario describing an adult patient. Hypertonic saline nebulisation and twice daily chest physiotherapy was preferred in most scenarios while dornase alfa use was more variable. Most CF physicians (>80%) preferred to change therapy if there was no early response. Professional opinion was the most common reason for antibiotic choice.ConclusionsVariation exists among CF physicians in their preferred choice of primary antibiotic and use of dornase alfa. These preferences are driven by professional opinion, possibly reflecting a lack of evidence to base policy recommendations. Evidence from high-quality clinical trials is needed to inform physician decision making.

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