1052 INHALED CEPHALORIDINE IN THE TREATMENT OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

Abstract

The use of inhaled antibiotics in CF is both controversial and expensive. However they are used in many centers. In order to assess the effect of prophylactic inhaled cephaloridine on the colonization of the respiratory tract with staphylococcus aureus and other pathogens and on the general progression of the disease we are following 47 patients with mild to moderate CF in a controlled prospective study. Patients are seen monthly for quantitative sputum cultures and clinical assessment. Chest x-ray and pulmonary function testing are performed every 6 months. 25 patients receive daily inhaled cephaloridine, 22 patients do not receive any inhaled antibiotic. Both groups receive oral cloxacillin. The groups are balanced for age, sex and severity of the pulmonary disease. Analysis of the first 12 months of the study show that there are no differences in either Schwachman scores, chest x-ray, pulmonary function, incidence of respiratory infections, or quantitative sputum cultures. Over 90% of children carried Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 35% carried Pseudomonas cepacia regardless of treatment group. Only 8% of children in each group carried S. aureus. We conclude that antistaphylococcal prophylaxis with inhaled cephaloridine plus oral cloxacillin does not add any benefits to oral cloxacillin alone and is not indicated in the management of children with CF.

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