Long-term azitromycin treatment of cystic fibrosis patients with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection; an observational cohort study

AbstractBackgroundIn cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic endobronchial infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a serious complication. Macrolides can increase lung function and weight in patients, and reduce exacerbations.MethodsIn 2001, we introduced long-term, low-dose azithromycin (AZ) treatment as an integral part of our routine treatment of these patients. Our study is an observational cohort study of all CF patients with chronic P. aeruginosa infection in our CF center comparing clinical parameters of the patients 12 months prior to treatment with the same values during 12 months of treatment.Results45 patients (27 men, median age 29 years) completed 1-year treatment. Median weight increased from 63.1 kg in the pre-treatment period to 63.9 kg during treatment (p=0.01). Median slope of decline in lung function increased from pre-treatment FEV1 −4.1% and FVC −3.0% to +0.8% (p