title: Long-term benefits of inhaled tobramycin in children with cystic fibrosis: first clinical observations from Poland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Respiratory disease is the major cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and inhaled antibiotic therapy may contribute to the stabilization of lung function.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This is a small, open, uncontrolled, observational study of clinical experience obtained with 2 years of maintenance treatment with inhaled tobramycin in 12 children and adolescents with CF.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve subjects aged 6-18 years infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa were qualified for treatment with inhaled tobramycin. Pulmonary function, weight and height, clinical status, and chest X-ray were continually monitored. After an active 2-year treatment period, results of all measured parameters in our patients were compared with their previous results (2-year period before treatment with tobramycin).
  
  
  RESULTS
  During 2 years before treatment with tobramycin solution for inhalation (TOBI), pulmonary function decline was observed, the median value of FEV(1) change was -7.6% (lower quartile -13.1, upper quartile -5.9). After 2 years of treatment, FEV(1) percent predicted value declined by 1.5% (lower quartile -11.1, upper quartile 3.7) from baseline; 2 years of TOBI therapy significantly reduced lung function decline (p = 0.049). There were no significant changes in thoracic gas volume and specific airway resistance before and after treatment. Two years of TOBI therapy significantly improved body mass index (p = 0.02). TOBI treatment significantly delayed progression of pulmonary X-ray changes assessed by Brasfield score (p = 0.02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found that patients with CF can gain substantial benefits from long-term TOBI treatment, including reduced pulmonary function decline, delayed progression of pulmonary X-ray changes and improved weight gain in growing children and adolescents.
authors: Department of Pediatrics and Allergy, N. Copernicus Hospital, Lodz, Poland. alergol@kopernik.lodz.pl
authors: Iwona
authors: I
authors: Stelmach
authors: Aleksandra
authors: A
authors: Korzeniewska
authors: Włodzimierz
authors: W
authors: Stelmach
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011044:Poland; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D014031:Tobramycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014031:Tobramycin