Long-acting inhaled bronchodilators for cystic fibrosis

Short-acting inhaled bronchodilators for cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Respiratory disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF), and many different therapies are used by people with CF in the management of respiratory problems. Bronchodilator therapy is used to relieve symptoms of shortness of breath and to open the airways to allow clearance of mucus. Despite the widespread use of inhaled bronchodilators in CF, there is little objective evidence of their efficacy. A Cochrane Review looking at both short- and long-acting inhaled bronchodilators for CF was withdrawn from the Cochrane Library in 2016. That review has been replaced by two separate Cochrane Reviews: one on long-acting inhaled bronchodilators for CF, and this review on short-acting inhaled bronchodilators for CF. For this review 'inhaled' includes the use of pressurised metered dose inhalers (MDIs), with or without a spacer, dry powder devices and nebulisers.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate short-acting inhaled bronchodilators in children and adults with CF in terms of clinical outcomes and safety.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books on 28 March 2022 and searched trial registries for any new or ongoing trials on 12 April 2022. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that looked at the effect of any short-acting inhaled bronchodilator delivered by any device, at any dose, at any frequency and for any duration compared to either placebo or another short-acting inhaled bronchodilator in people with CF. We screened references as per standard Cochrane methodology.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 1 tool. Where we were not able to enter data into our analyses we reported results directly from the papers. We assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 11 trials from our systematic search, with 191 participants meeting our inclusion criteria; three of these trials had three treatment arms. Eight trials compared short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists to placebo and four trials compared short-acting inhaled muscarinic antagonists to placebo. Three trials compared short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists to short-acting inhaled muscarinic antagonists. All were cross-over trials with only small numbers of participants. We were only able to enter data into the analysis from three trials comparing short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists to placebo. Short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists versus placebo All eight trials (six single-dose trials and two longer-term trials) reporting on this comparison reported on forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), either as per cent predicted (% predicted) or L. We were able to combine the data from two trials in a meta-analysis which showed a greater per cent change from baseline in FEV1 L after beta-2 agonists compared to placebo (mean difference (MD) 6.95%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88 to 12.02; 2 trials, 82 participants). Only one of the longer-term trials reported on exacerbations, as measured by hospitalisations and courses of antibiotics. Only the second longer-term trial presented results for participant-reported outcomes. Three trials narratively reported adverse events, and these were all mild. Three single-dose trials and the two longer trials reported on forced vital capacity (FVC), and five trials reported on peak expiratory flow, i.e. forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (FEF25-75). One trial reported on airway clearance in terms of sputum weight. We judged the certainty of evidence for each of these outcomes to be very low, meaning we are very uncertain about the effect of short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists on any of the outcomes we assessed. Short-acting inhaled muscarinic antagonists versus placebo All four trials reporting on this comparison looked at the effects of ipratropium bromide, but in different doses and via different delivery methods. One trial reported FEV1 % predicted; three trials measured this in L. Two trials reported adverse events, but these were few and mild. One trial reported FVC and three trials reported FEF25-75. None of the trials reported on quality of life, exacerbations or airway clearance. We judged the certainty of evidence for each of these outcomes to be very low, meaning we are very uncertain about the effect of short-acting inhaled muscarinic antagonists on any of the outcomes we assessed. Short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists versus short-acting inhaled muscarinic antagonists  None of the three single-dose trials reporting on this comparison provided data we could analyse. The original papers from three trials report that both treatments lead to an improvement in FEV1 L. Only one trial reported on adverse events; but none were experienced by any participant. No trial reported on any of our other outcomes. We judged the certainty of evidence to be very low, meaning we are very uncertain about the effect of short-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists compared to short-acting inhaled muscarinic antagonists on any of the outcomes we assessed.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

All included trials in this review are small and of a cross-over design. Most trials looked at very short-term effects of inhaled bronchodilators, and therefore did not measure longer-term outcomes. The certainty of evidence across all outcomes was very low, and therefore we have been unable to describe any effects with certainty.

Treatment With LAU-7b Complements CFTR Modulator Therapy by Improving Lung Physiology and Normalizing Lipid Imbalance Associated With CF Lung Disease

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disease in Caucasians, affecting more than 100,000 individuals worldwide. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the gene encoding CFTR, an anion channel at the plasma membrane of epithelial and other cells. Many CF pathogenic variants disrupt the biosynthesis and trafficking of CFTR or reduce its ion channel function. The most frequent mutation, loss of a phenylalanine at position 508 (F508del), leads to misfolding, retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, and premature degradation of the protein. The therapeutics available for treating CF lung disease include antibiotics, mucolytics, bronchodilators, physiotherapy, and most recently CFTR modulators. To date, no cure for this life shortening disease has been found. Treatment with the Triple combination drug therapy, TRIKAFTA^®, is composed of three drugs: Elexacaftor (VX-445), Tezacaftor (VX-661) and Ivacaftor (VX-770). This therapy, benefits persons with CF, improving their weight, lung function, energy levels (as defined by reduced fatigue), and overall quality of life. We examined the effect of combining LAU-7b oral treatment and Triple therapy combination on lung function in a F508del^tm1EUR mouse model that displays lung abnormalities relevant to human CF. We assessed lung function, lung histopathology, protein oxidation, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid and lipid profiles in F508del^tm1EUR mice.

Periodic screening for breast and cervical cancer in women with diabetes: a population-based cohort study

PURPOSE

Diabetes is associated with poorer cancer outcomes. Screening for breast and cervical cancer is recommended by clinical guidelines; however, utilization of these tests in people with diabetes has been unclear due to methodological limitations in the evidence base. We used administrative data to determine the association between diabetes and the rates of becoming up-to-date with periodic breast and cervical cancer screening over a 20-year period.

METHODS

Healthcare databases from Ontario, Canada, were linked to assemble two population-based cohorts of 50-70 and 21-70 year-olds between 1994 and 2011, eligible for breast and cervical cancer screening, respectively. Using age as the time scale, multivariable recurrent events models were implemented to examine the association between the presence of diabetes and the rates of becoming up-to-date with the recommended cancer screenings.

RESULTS

In each of the breast and cervical cancer screening cohorts, there were, respectively, 1,516,302 (16% had diabetes at baseline) and 4,751,220 (9.5% had diabetes at baseline) screen-eligible women. In multivariable models, prevalent diabetes (duration ≥ 2 years) was associated with lower rates of becoming up-to-date with cervical (hazard ratio, HR 0.85, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.84-0.85) and breast (HR 0.94, CI 0.93-0.94) cancer screening, compared to no diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Having diabetes is associated with decreased rates of becoming up-to-date with two recommended periodic cancer screenings, with a bigger reduction in the rates of becoming up-to-date with cervical cancer screening. Greater attention to cervical cancer preventive services is needed in women with diabetes.

Quality appraisal of systematic reviews on methods of labour induction: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Induction of labour has become more common over the last decade, together with an increase in the number of systematic reviews of the subject. However, with multiple systematic reviews it is necessary to evaluate the methodological rigor to ensure the reliability of conclusions and recommendations for clinical practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to appraise the quality of systematic reviews that examined the efficacy and/or safety of labour induction methods.

METHODS

An electronic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 2000 to 2020 was conducted. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) by two independent reviewers, in duplicate.

RESULTS

The search identified 387 publications, of which 48 studies (13%) met the a priori inclusion criteria. No significant relationships were found between study quality and number of citations, journal impact factor, or publication year.

CONCLUSION

Methodological quality for systematic reviews on the induction of labour were ranked as moderate with no significant changes in quality over the past 2 decades. Publication characteristics are not significantly associated with methodological quality, indicating that healthcare professionals should critically appraise studies before applying them to practice.

Asthma in Cystic Fibrosis: Definitions and Implications of This Overlap Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem, autosomal recessive disease that leads to progressive loss of lung function. Respiratory symptoms for both CF and asthma include cough, wheezing, and dyspnea. There is debate within the CF community on how to best define and distinguish CF-asthma overlap syndrome (CFAOS) from asthma-like features, though CFAOS is well-recognized. We aim to review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of asthma in CF and explore areas where further research is needed.

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been considerable improvement in the understanding and treatment of asthma over the past two decades leading to novel therapies such as biologic agents that target the airway inflammation in asthmatics based on their asthma phenotype. These therapies are being studied in CFAOS and are promising treatments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the definition, epidemiology, diagnosis, and current treatment of CFAOS.

Novel therapeutic approaches for the management of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition characterised by the build-up of thick, sticky mucus that can damage many of the body's organs. It is a life-long disease that results in a shortened life expectancy, often due to the progression of advanced lung disease. Treatment has previously targeted the downstream symptoms such as diminished mucus clearance and recurrent infection. More recently, significant advances have been made in treating the cause of the disease by targeting the faulty gene responsible. Hope for the development of potential therapies lies with ongoing research into new pharmacological agents and gene therapy. This review gives an overview of CF, and summarises the current evidence regarding the disease management and upcoming strategies aimed at treating or potentially curing this condition.

[Patients with cystic fibrosis become adults : Treatment hopes and disappointments]

Mucoviscidosis or cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most frequent monogenetic diseases in middle Europe. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. A defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel reduces chloride ion transport to the cell membrane, which leads to malfunctions in all exocrine glands. This results in a progressive multiorgan disease, which leads to chronic inflammation and infections of the lungs. The progressive destruction of lung tissue with respiratory insufficiency is the most common cause of death in CF. Progress in symptomatic treatment over the past decades has led to a dramatic improvement in life expectation and quality of life for those affected, so that nowadays in nearly all industrial countries the majority of patients are adults. In 2012 the era of causal therapy of the CFTR protein defects was opened with the approval of ivacaftor. Long-term data now confirm the benefits. There is reason to hope that the success story of CF treatment will be continued, particularly by further CFTR modulators with innovative modes of action and improved efficacy; however, so far these are not available for all mutation classes, so that not all patients can reap the benefits. Therefore, the further development of symptomatic treatment becomes of great importance due to the complications that have already occurred before the implementation of the CFTR modulators. The implementation of modulators in early childhood can attenuate or prevent early irreversible complications. Therefore, in this article special emphasis is placed on new developments in symptomatic treatment and on new treatment options.

Adherence to long-term therapies in cystic fibrosis: a French cross-sectional study linking prescribing, dispensing, and hospitalization data

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening genetic condition that usually affects several organs and involves significant treatment burden. Adherence to medication is important for successful CF management.

OBJECTIVE

To describe medication adherence according to age, therapeutic class, and pharmaceutical form in adults and children followed in four regional CF centers in France.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with non-transplanted patients followed in two adult and two pediatric centers during 2015 who were covered by the French National Health Insurance (NHI). Sociodemographic, clinical, hospitalization, and prescription data were collected from patient medical records. Medication dispensations were extracted from the regional French NHI database. Adherence was calculated over 12 months using continuous medication availability (CMA) accounting for dose adjustments and hospitalizations. Drug-specific CMA was computed in R with the AdhereR package for each medication prescribed more than 3 months, which was averaged to obtain a composite CMA score (cCMA) for all treatments and per therapeutic class as well as pharmaceutical form for each patient.

RESULTS

A total of 228 patients were included. The number of chronic medications increased with age (r=0.50, p<0.001): a median of 7 medications per patient were prescribed. The mean±SD cCMA was significantly different between age groups (p=0.0098): it was 0.71±0.20 for the 0-5 years age group, 0.73±0.16 for 6-11 years, 0.64±0.17 for 12-17 years, 0.57±0.23 for 18-25 years, and 0.65±0.20 for the over 25 years age group. cCMA varied significantly according to pharmaceutical forms: the mean±SD cCMA was 0.70±0.21 for oral medications and 0.54±0.28 for inhaled medications (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that adherence to medication regimens in CF patients remains suboptimal and varies substantially between age groups and pharmaceutical forms. These variations in adherence should be considered when developing effective strategies to improve adherence.