title: Short-term effects of high-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure in patients with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cystic fibrosis patients require daily airway clearance therapies. The primary objective of this study was to compare the short-term efficacy of high-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure mask on expectorated sputum, pulmonary function, and oxygen saturation in patients with CF hospitalized for an acute pulmonary exacerbation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A controlled randomized cross-over trial with 24 hours between treatments was used. Thirty-four CF patients (26 ± 6.5 years) were included in the study. Before and 30 minutes after each treatment were recorded: pulmonary function testing, oxygen saturation, and perceived dyspnea. Preference for the two devices was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant difference between high-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure mask was found in sputum production and in lung function testing. A reduction in SpO(2) was found after positive expiratory pressure mask (98 ± 1.0% versus 97 ± 1.2%; P < 0.001). Both treatments induced a statistically significant increase in Borg scale for dyspnea without differences between them. Patients reported greater satisfaction with positive expiratory pressure mask than with high-frequency chest compression (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure mask have comparable short-term effects on expectorated sputum and lung function. Although positive expiratory pressure mask was associated with a lower SpO(2), it was better tolerated than high-frequency chest compression.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Airway clearance therapies; High-frequency chest compression; Sputum; Cystic fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Departmet of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fainardi
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faverzani
authors.forename: Maria Candida
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Tripodi
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chetta
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pisi