Home intravenous antibiotics for cystic fibrosis.
BACKGROUND
Recurrent endobronchial infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) requires treatment with intravenous antibiotics for several weeks usually in hospital, affecting health costs and quality of life for patients and their families.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether home intravenous antibiotic therapy in CF is as effective as inpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy and if it is preferred by individuals or families or both.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Most recent search of the Group's Trials Register: April 2008.


METHODS
Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled studies of intravenous antibiotic treatment for adults and children with CF at home compared to in hospital.


METHODS
The authors independently selected studies for inclusion in the review, assessed methodological quality of each study and extracted data using a standardised form.


RESULTS
Seventeen studies were identified by the searches. Only one study could be included which reported results from 17 participants aged 10 to 41 years with an infective exacerbation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All their 31 admissions (18 hospital and 13 at home after two to four days of hospital treatment) were analysed as independent events. Outcomes were measured at 0, 10 and 21 days after initiation of treatment. Home participants underwent fewer investigations than hospital participants (P < 0.002) and general activity was higher in the home group. No significant differences were found for clinical outcomes, adverse events, complications or change of intravenous lines,or time to next admission. Home participants received less low-dose home maintenance antibiotic. Quality of life measures showed no significant differences for dyspnoea and emotional state, but fatigue and mastery were worse for home participants, possibly due to a higher general activity and need of support. Personal, family, sleeping and eating disruptions were less important for home than hospital admissions. Home therapy was cheaper for families and the hospital. Indirect costs were not determined.


CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence is restricted to a single randomized clinical trial. It suggests that, in the short term, home therapy does not harm individuals, entails fewer investigations, reduces social disruptions and can be cost-effective. There were both advantages and disadvantages in terms of quality of life. The decision to attempt home treatment should be based on the individual situation and appropriate local resources. More research is urgently required.
Balaguer
Albert
A
Pediatrics. Hospital Univ St. Joan Reus.Tarragona, URV and Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, UIC. Campus Salut. Medicina. C/ Josep Trueta, s/n, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, 08190. abalaguer@csc.uic.es
González de Dios
Javier
J
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012648:Self Care
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents