Autogenic Drainage in Children With Cystic Fibrosis.
Airway clearance is an essential part of the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) as it facilitates clearance of viscous pulmonary secretions. This review aimed to determine the effect of autogenic drainage (AD) and assisted autogenic drainage (AAD) compared with no, sham, or other types of airway clearance in children with CF.



Two pediatric randomized cross-over trials were identified on the use of AD in children with CF; no studies were available on the use of AAD. In one study AD had a positive influence on the Huang score, and is preferred over postural drainage in this population.



We could not determine the efficacy of AD and AAD in children with CF. We recommend the implementation of pediatric-specific randomized controlled trials with adequate sample sizes, appropriate clinical outcome measures, and analysis of adverse effects.
Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy (Ms Corten), University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa; and School of Child and Adolescent Health, Paediatric Critical Care and Children's Heart Disease (Dr Morrow), University of Cape Town, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Rondebosch, South Africa.
Lieselotte
L
Corten
Brenda M
BM
Morrow
D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012138:Respiratory Therapy