Increased augmentation index in patients with cystic fibrosis

Increased large artery stiffness occurs in a range of inflammatory conditions indicating an ageing of the vasculature and additionally being an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. We determined large artery parameters in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).Clinically stable adult patients with CF, n=50, mean (SD) age 28.0 (8.2) years, and 26 age, gender and BMI matched controls were studied. Central aortic blood pressure, augmentation index (AIx) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) were determined using applanation tonometry. Lung function, diabetic status and CRP were also determined.Mean (SD) AIx was greater in patients, 8.5 (11.1) %, than controls, -1.8 (13.1) % (P<0.001), while PWV was similar. Although AIx was greatest in the sub-group with CF related diabetes (CFRD), it was also increased in the non-CFRD sub-group when compared with controls. In patients, AIx was related to log10CRP (r=0.33) and forced vital capacity (r= -0.34), both P