FREQUENT ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY IMPROVES SURVIVAL OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA INFECTION

Abstract

From 1971-1975, 51 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who contracted chronic P. aeruginosa infection were treated at the Danish CF center with antipseudomonas chemotherapy only when their clinical condition deteriorated considerably. From 1976-1980, 58 CF patients who contracted chronic P. aeruginosa infection were treated at the Danish CF center with antipseudomonas chemotherapy on a regular basis every 3 mo. Each routine 24 day course of chemotherapy consisted of tobramycin in combination with carbenicillin or other .beta.-lactam antibiotics with activity against P. aeruginosa. In case of allergy or resistant strains, monotherapy with tobramycin was used. The 5 yr survival of CF patients from the time of onset of the chronic P. aeruginosa infection increased from 54% in the 1st period to 82% in the 2nd period of (P < 0.05). Lung function (peak expiratory flow rate) also improved significantly. Thus, intensive maintenance chemotherapy against P. aeruginosa improves survival and quality of life of CF patients. Permanent eradication of P. aeruginosa is not accomplished.