SERIAL CHANGES IN PULMONARY FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED WITH CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

Abstract

Pulmonary functions were serially measured in 17 children hospitalized with cystic fibrosis (CF) to determine how much and when pulmonary functions improved during 14 days of inpatient treatment. Absolute lung volumes and forced expiratory flows were recorded every other day while patients received chest physiotherapy, antibiotics and bronchodilators. Vital capacity first improved after the 5th hospital day coincidentally with a reduction in residual volume and an increase in peak expiratory flow rate. Significant improvements in other pulmonary functions developed later in the hospitalization. Improvement in most pulmonary functions continued throughout the hospitalization and was maintained 2 wk after discharge. Improvement was less and uniformly developed later in those children with severe lung disease on admission (NIH [USA-National Institutes of Health] score < 50) compared to those with moderate respiratory involvement (NIH score > 50). Pulmonary function measurements may prove useful in determining the optimal duration of treatment for patients who are hospitalized with CF.