A retrospective analysis of the impact of azithromycin maintenance therapy on adults attending a UK cystic fibrosis clinic.
BACKGROUND
Azithromycin is widely used as an immunomodulatory agent in the treatment of cystic fibrosis with previous literature documenting improvements in lung function and a reduction in infective exacerbations. The maximal study period in adults has been six months.


METHODS
81 adult patients taking continuous azithromycin were retrospectively identified. Percentage predicted FEV(1) and courses of intravenous antibiotics were examined at yearly intervals two years prior to and two years after azithromycin initiation.


RESULTS
FEV(1) deteriorated in the two years before starting azithromycin by a mean of 2.02% per year. In the year following initiation, FEV(1) increased by 1.15% (P=0.01). However, a mean 2.58% reduction was observed in year two. There was no statistically significant effect on courses of intravenous antibiotics.


CONCLUSIONS
Azithromycin resulted in an improved FEV(1) at year one. This effect was not sustained beyond the first year of treatment.
Department of Cystic Fibrosis, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
J E
JE
Fleet
K
K
Guha
S
S
Piper
W
W
Banya
D
D
Bilton
M E
ME
Hodson
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects; D060046:Maintenance Chemotherapy; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017963:Azithromycin