Antipseudomonal therapy in cystic fibrosis: aztreonam and amikacin versus ceftazidime and amikacin administered intravenously followed by oral ciprofloxacin

Intravenous antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis is a multisystem disease characterised by the production of thick secretions causing recurrent pulmonary infection, often with unusual bacteria. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are commonly used in the treatment of acute deteriorations in symptoms (pulmonary exacerbations); however, recently the assumption that exacerbations are due to increases in bacterial burden has been questioned. This is an update of a previously published review.

OBJECTIVES

To establish whether IV antibiotics for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis improve short-term and long-term clinical outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews and ongoing trials registers. Date of last search of Cochrane Trials Register: 19 June 2024.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials and the first treatment cycle of cross-over studies comparing IV antibiotics (given alone or in an antibiotic combination) with placebo, or inhaled or oral antibiotics for people with cystic fibrosis experiencing a pulmonary exacerbation. Studies comparing different IV antibiotic regimens were also eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We assessed studies for eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. Using GRADE, we assessed the certainty of the evidence for the outcomes lung function % predicted (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)), time to next exacerbation and quality of life.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 45 studies involving 2810 participants. The included studies were mostly small, and inadequately reported, many of which were quite old. The certainty of the evidence was mostly low. Combined intravenous antibiotics versus placebo Data reported for absolute change in % predicted FEV1 and FVC suggested a possible improvement in favour of IV antibiotics, but the evidence is very uncertain (1 study, 12 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not measure time to next exacerbation or quality of life. Intravenous versus nebulised antibiotics Five studies (122 participants) reported FEV1, with analysable data only from one study (16 participants). We found no difference between groups (moderate-certainty evidence). Three studies (91 participants) reported on FVC, with analysable data from only one study (54 participants). We are very uncertain on the effect of nebulised antibiotics (very low-certainty evidence). In one study, the 16 participants on nebulised plus IV antibiotics had a lower mean number of days to next exacerbation than those on combined IV antibiotics (low-certainty evidence), but we found no difference in quality of life between groups (low-certainty evidence). Intravenous versus oral antibiotics Three studies (172 participants) reported no difference in different measures of lung function. We found no difference in analysable data between IV and oral antibiotic regimens in either FEV1 % predicted or FVC % predicted (1 study, 24 participants; low-certainty evidence) or in the time to the next exacerbation (1 study, 108 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No study measured quality of life. Intravenous antibiotic regimens compared One study (analysed as two data sets) compared the duration of IV antibiotic regimens between two groups (split according to initial antibiotic response). The first part was a non-inferiority study in 214 early treatment responders to establish whether 10 days of IV antibiotic treatment was as effective as 14 days. Second, investigators looked at whether 14 or 21 days of IV antibiotics were more effective in 705 participants who did not respond early to treatment. We found no difference in FEV1 % predicted with any duration of treatment (919 participants; high-certainty evidence) or the time to next exacerbation (information later taken from registry data). Investigators did not report FVC or quality of life. Other comparisons We also found little or no difference in lung function when comparing single IV antibiotic regimens to placebo (2 studies, 70 participants), or in lung function and time to next exacerbation when comparing different single antibiotic regimens (2 studies, 95 participants). There may be a greater improvement in lung function in participants receiving combined IV antibiotics compared to single IV antibiotics (6 studies, 265 participants; low- to very low-certainty evidence), but probably no difference in the time to next exacerbation (1 study, 34 participants; low-certainty evidence). Four studies compared a single IV antibiotic plus placebo to a combined IV antibiotic regimen with high levels of heterogeneity in the results. We are very uncertain if there is any difference between groups in lung function (4 studies, 214 participants) and there may be little or no difference to being re-admitted to hospital for an exacerbation (2 studies, 104 participants). Nine studies (417 participants) compared combined IV antibiotic regimens with a great variation in drugs. We identified no differences in any measure of lung function or the time to next exacerbation between different regimens (low- to very low-certainty evidence). There were mixed results for adverse events across all comparisons; common adverse effects included elevated liver function tests, gastrointestinal events and haematological abnormalities. There were limited data for other secondary outcomes, such as weight, and there was no evidence of treatment effect.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence of benefit from administering IV antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis is often poor, especially in terms of size of studies and risk of bias, particularly in older studies. We are not certain whether there is any difference between specific antibiotic combinations, and neither is there evidence of a difference between the IV route and the inhaled or oral routes. There is limited evidence that shorter antibiotic duration in adults who respond early to treatment is not different to a longer period of treatment. There remain several unanswered questions regarding optimal IV antibiotic treatment regimens.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Optimization of Antibiotic Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Current Evidences, Gaps in Knowledge and Future Directions

Antibiotic therapy is one of the main treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF). It aims to eradicate bacteria during early infection, calms down the inflammatory process, and leads to symptom resolution of pulmonary exacerbations. CF can modify both the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of antibiotics, therefore specific PK/PD endpoints should be determined in the context of CF. Currently available data suggest that optimal PK/PD targets cannot be attained in sputum with intravenous aminoglycosides. Continuous infusion appears preferable for β-lactam antibiotics, but optimal concentrations in sputum are unlikely to be reached, with some possible exceptions such as meropenem and ceftolozane. Usual doses are likely suboptimal for fluoroquinolones and linezolid, whereas daily doses of 45-60 mg/kg and 200 mg could be convenient for vancomycin and doxycycline, respectively. Weekly azithromycin doses of 22-30 mg/kg could also be appropriate for its anti-inflammatory effect. The difficulty with achieving optimal concentrations supports the use of combined treatments and the inhaled administration route, as very high local concentrations, concomitantly with low systemic exposure, can be obtained with the inhaled route for aminoglycosides, colistin, and fluoroquinolones, thus minimizing the risk of toxicity.

Outcomes and endpoints reported in studies of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus about which outcomes should be evaluated in studies of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Outcomes used for evaluation should be meaningful; that is, they should capture how people feel, function or survive and be acknowledged as important to people with CF, or should be reliable surrogates of those outcomes. We aimed to summarise the outcomes and corresponding endpoints which have been reported in studies of pulmonary exacerbations, and to identify those which are most likely to be meaningful.

METHODS

A PROSPERO registered systematic review (CRD42020151785) was conducted in Medline, Embase and Cochrane from inception until July 2020. Registered trials were also included.

RESULTS

144 studies met the inclusion criteria. A wide range of outcomes and corresponding endpoints were reported. Death, QoL and many patient-reported outcomes are likely to be meaningful as they directly capture how people feel, function or survive. Forced expiratory volume in 1-second [FEV₁] is a validated surrogate of risk of death and reduced QoL. The extent of structural lung disease has also been correlated with lung function, pulmonary exacerbations and risk of death. Since no evidence of a correlation between airway microbiology or biomarkers with clinically meaningful outcomes was found, the value of these as surrogates was unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Death, QoL, patient-reported outcomes, FEV₁, and structural lung changes were identified as outcomes that are most likely to be meaningful. Development of a core outcome set in collaboration with stakeholders including people with CF is recommended.

Treatments for preventing recurrence of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in people with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is a source of much morbidity and mortality. Eradication of early PA infection is possible, but can recur in many individuals. We sought to examine strategies to delay the time to PA recurrence in people with CF.

OBJECTIVES

To establish whether secondary prevention strategies, using antibiotics or other therapies, increase the chances of people with CF remaining free from PA infection following successful eradication therapy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched ongoing trials registries and the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. Date of last search: 21 August 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (and quasi-randomised trials where the risk of bias was low) comparing any treatment modality aimed at preventing recurrence of PA infection with placebo, standard therapy or any other treatment modality in people with CF who have undergone successful eradication of PA.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias. Quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Conflicts were resolved by discussion and the opinion of a third review author was sought where necessary. Only a subset of participants in the included trial were eligible, therefore individual participant data were requested and obtained from the trial investigators.

MAIN RESULTS

We included one trial (n = 306) in the review; however, only 253 participants had undergone successful eradication of PA, so fulfilling the inclusion criteria for our review. Information presented relates only to the included subset of participants. The trial recruited children aged one to 12 years (mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of 5.8 (3.5) years), 129 participants (51.0%) were female and the median follow-up was 494 days. We compared cycled therapy with tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS), in which participants underwent 28 days of TIS every three months, with culture-based therapy, in which participants were only prescribed medication when a quarterly sputum sample was positive for PA. Reasons for downgrading the quality of the evidence included applicability (only included children), incomplete outcome data and a small number of participants. The time to next isolation of PA was probably shorter with cycled TIS therapy than with culture-based therapy, hazard ratio (HR) 2.04 days (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28 to 3.26) (moderate-quality evidence). This is in contrast to the main publication of the only included trial, which examined rate of PA positivity rather than time to PA infection and included participants not eligible for inclusion in this review. At the end of the trial, there was no difference between the cycled and culture-based groups in the change from baseline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) L, mean difference (MD) 0.0 L (95% CI -0.09 to 0.09) or in FEV₁ % predicted, MD 0.70% (95% CI -4.33 to 5.73) (both very low-quality evidence). There was no difference in the change from baseline for FVC between the groups. There was also no difference in the frequency of pulmonary exacerbations between groups, MD -0.18 (95% CI -0.51 to 0.14) (moderate-quality evidence). Similarly, there was no difference between groups in the risk of participants developing novel resistant bacteria, RR 1.00 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.5) (moderate-quality evidence). There were more severe adverse events in the cycled group, but the type of treatment probably makes little or no difference to the results, RR 0.65 (95% CI 0.39 to 1.11) (moderate-quality evidence). There was no difference between groups in the change in weight or height from baseline or in rates of adherence to tobramycin or all trial medicines. The included trial did not assess changes in quality of life, the time to chronic infection with PA or the cost-effectiveness of treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Cycled TIS therapy may be beneficial in prolonging the time to recurrence of PA after successful eradication, but further trials are required, specifically addressing this question and in both adults and children.

Off-label and unlicensed drug use in children population

INTRODUCTION

Off-label (OL) and unlicensed (UL) drug use is widely developed in the pediatric population according to previous reviews published in the early 2010s. The present study is a narrative review of the literature of OL-UL drug use from 2013.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of research articles assessing OL-UL drug use in children (<18 years-old) published in Medline^® from January 2013 until May 2017.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were included. OL drug use was defined by inappropriate age, indication, dosage or way of administration according to the summary of product characteristics in >80% of studies. UL drug used was defined by the use of drugs not licensed in the country or modifications of licensed drugs in >70% of studies. Among in- and out-patients, the frequency of patients exposed to at least one OL-UL drug ranged from 36.3 to 97.0% and from 18.6 to 40.2%, respectively. Drug use was categorized as OL mostly due to inappropriate age, dosage or indication. OL-UL drug use was the most prevalent in newborns (mainly preterms) and pre-school children (aged 2-5years). Various drugs were involved, depending on patients' age. Polypharmacy and long hospital stays were risk factors for OL-UL drug use. Whether OL-UL drug use leads to a higher incidence of adverse drug reactions is a controversial finding.

CONCLUSIONS

OL-UL drug use is frequent in children. A standardized definition of OL-UL drug use is needed to better assess its frequency, risk factors and impact.

Intravenous antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis is a multi-system disease characterised by the production of thick secretions causing recurrent pulmonary infection, often with unusual bacteria. Intravenous antibiotics are commonly used in the treatment of acute deteriorations in symptoms (pulmonary exacerbations); however, recently the assumption that exacerbations are due to increases in bacterial burden has been questioned.

OBJECTIVES

To establish if intravenous antibiotics for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis improve short- and long-term clinical outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews and ongoing trials registers.Date of last search of Cochrane trials register: 27 July 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials and the first treatment cycle of cross-over studies comparing intravenous antibiotics (given alone or in an antibiotic combination) with placebo, inhaled or oral antibiotics for people with cystic fibrosis experiencing a pulmonary exacerbation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The authors assessed studies for eligibility and risk of bias and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 40 studies involving 1717 participants. The quality of the included studies was largely poor and, with a few exceptions, these comprised of mainly small, inadequately reported studies.When comparing treatment with a single antibiotic to a combined antibiotic regimen, those participants receiving a combination of antibiotics experienced a greater improvement in lung function when considered as a whole group across a number of different measurements of lung function, but with very low quality evidence. When limited to the four placebo-controlled studies (n = 214), no difference was observed, again with very low quality evidence. With regard to the review's remaining primary outcomes, there was no effect upon time to next exacerbation and no studies in any comparison reported on quality of life. There were no effects on the secondary outcomes weight or adverse effects. When comparing specific antibiotic combinations there were no significant differences between groups on any measure. In the comparisons between intravenous and nebulised antibiotic or oral antibiotic (low quality evidence), there were no significant differences between groups on any measure. No studies in any comparison reported on quality of life.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The quality of evidence comparing intravenous antibiotics with placebo is poor. No specific antibiotic combination can be considered to be superior to any other, and neither is there evidence showing that the intravenous route is superior to the inhaled or oral routes. There remains a need to understand host-bacteria interactions and in particular to understand why many people fail to fully respond to treatment.

How to minimize toxic exposure to pyridine during continuous infusion of ceftazidime in patients with cystic fibrosis?

Ceftazidime is particularly efficient against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients. Thus, the spontaneous production of pyridine, which is a toxic product, raises some concern. Our aim was to examine the kinetics of degradation of ceftazidime in portable infusion pumps either at 4°C, 22°C, or 33°C and to propose some recommendations in order to reduce the pyridine exposure. Two administration models were studied in vitro. In model 1, we administered 12 g of ceftazidime infused over 23 h (once-daily infusion) compared to 6 g infused over 11.5 h in model 2 (twice-daily regimen). Samples were collected at 0 h and then every 4 and 2 h after the shaping of portable infusion pumps in models 1 and 2, respectively. Both ceftazidime and pyridine were analyzed using an ultraviolet high-performance liquid chromatograph. Production of pyridine is highly depending on the temperature. The in situ production of pyridine per day of treatment decreases at a ratio close to 1/6 and 1/3 between 33°C and 4°C in models 1 and 2, respectively. Regardless of the conditions, the production of pyridine is significantly lower in model 2, whereas the total delivery amount of ceftazidime is significantly higher at 4°C and 33°C compared to that in model 1. According to a the precautionary principle, these findings lead to three major recommendations: (i) exposing a solution of ceftazidime to over 22°C should be strictly avoided, (ii) a divided dose of 6 g over 11.5 h instead of a once-daily administration is preferred, and (iii) infusion should be administered immediately after reconstitution.

Optimization of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics for cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations: V. Aminoglycosides

Intravenous (IV) anti-pseudomonal aminoglycosides (i.e., amikacin and tobramycin) have been shown to be tolerable and effective in the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations (APEs) in both pediatric and adult patients with cystic fibrosis. The aim of this review is to provide an evidence-based summary of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, tolerability, and efficacy studies utilizing IV amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin in the treatment of APE and to highlight areas where further investigation is needed. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Pulmonary Guidelines recommend that once-daily administration of aminoglycosides is preferred over three times per day in the treatment of an APE. The literature supports dosing ranges for amikacin and tobramycin of 30-35 and 7-15 mg/kg/day, respectively, given once daily, with subsequent doses determined by therapeutic drug concentration monitoring. The literature does not support the routine use of gentamicin in the treatment of APE due to a lack of studies showing efficacy and evidence indicating an increased risk of nephrotoxicity. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosing strategy of amikacin in the treatment of an APE, and to further identify risk factors and determinants that influence the development of P. aeruginosa resistance with once-daily administration of tobramycin.

Optimization of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics for cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations: VI. Executive summary

Acute pulmonary exacerbations (APE) are well-described complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) and are associated with progressive morbidity and mortality. Despite aggressive management with two or more intravenous anti-pseudomonal agents, approximately 25% of exacerbations will result in a loss of lung function. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the classes of intravenous anti-pseudomonal antibiotics, the findings of anti-pseudomonal antibiotic utilization surveys, the current antibiotic dosing recommendations from the U.S. and Europe, and the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) differences between CF and non-CF individuals. Anti-pseudomonal antibiotic classes include beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and colistimethate sodium. Recent surveys of antibiotic utilization in CF Foundation-accredited care centers have shown that a large number of centers are not following recommended dosing strategies despite published recommendations in the U.S. and Europe. The recommended doses for anti-pseudomonal antibiotics may be higher than FDA-approved doses due to PK and PD differences. As a large portion of CF patients will not regain their lung function following an APE, it seems possible that currently available anti-pseudomonal agents are being used sub-optimally. As new anti-pseudomonal agents are not currently available, we suggest the need to optimize antibiotic dosing and dosing regimens used to treat pulmonary exacerbations in an effort to improve outcomes for CF patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Optimization of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics for cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations: II. cephalosporins and penicillins

Acute pulmonary exacerbations (APE) are well-described complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) and are associated with progressive morbidity and mortality. Despite aggressive management with two or more intravenous anti-pseudomonal agents, approximately 25% of exacerbations will result in a loss of lung function. The aim of this review is to provide an evidence-based summary of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD), tolerability, and efficacy studies utilizing anti-pseudomonal cephalosporins (i.e., ceftazidime and cefepime) and penicillins (i.e., piperacillin-tazobactam and ticarcillin-clavulanate) in the treatment of APE and to identify areas where further study is warranted. The ceftazidime and cefepime dosing ranges from the literature are 200-400 mg/kg/day divided every 6-8 hr, maximum 8-12 g/day, and 150-200 mg/kg/day divided every 6-8 hr, up to 6-8 g/day, respectively. The literature supported dosing ranges for piperacillin and ticarcillin are 350-600 mg/kg/day divided every 4 hr, maximum 18-24 g/day of piperacillin component, and 400-750 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hr, up to 24-30 g/day of ticarcillin component, respectively. As a large portion of CF patients will not regain their lung function following an APE, we suggest the need to optimize antibiotic dosing and dosing regimens used to treat an APE in efforts to improve outcomes for CF patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Future studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of higher than FDA-approved doses of ceftazidime, cefepime, and ticarcillin-clavulanate in APE. The usefulness of high dose piperacillin (>600 mg/kg/day) may be limited due to treatment-related adverse effects. Further understanding of these adverse effects in CF patients is needed.

Fluoroquinolones in the treatment of bronchopulmonary disease in cystic fibrosis

Fluoroquinolones are commonly used to treat lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. These patients are susceptible to lung infection with common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae, but are also prone to infection by opportunistic bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The good oral bioavailability and broad antimicrobial spectrum of activity, including antipseudomonal properties, make this class of antimicrobial attractive. We review the evidence assessing the use of fluoroquinolones in the context of preventing and eradicating early lung infection and in managing chronic lung infection and pulmonary exacerbations. The safety of fluoroquinolones and the use of newer agents in the class are also discussed.

Optimization of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics for cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations: I. aztreonam and carbapenems

Acute pulmonary exacerbations (APE) in cystic fibrosis (CF) are associated with loss of lung function that may require aggressive management with intravenous antibiotics. The aim of this review is to provide an evidence-based summary of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD), tolerability, and efficacy studies utilizing aztreonam and anti-pseudomonal carbapenems (i.e., doripenem, imipenem-cilastatin, and meropenem) in the treatment of an APE, and to identify areas where further study is warranted. The current dosing recommendations in the United States and Europe for aztreonam are lower than the literature supported dosing range of 200-300 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hr, maximum 8-12 g/day. In vitro, PK/PD, and tolerability studies show the potential of doripenem 90 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hr, infused over 4 hr, maximum 6 g/day in the treatment of APE. Imipenem-cilastatin 100 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hr, maximum 4 g/day and meropenem 120 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hr, maximum 6 g/day have been shown to be tolerable and effective in the treatment of APE. With availability issues of new anti-pseudomonal agents and a large percentage of CF patients will not regain their lung function following an APE, we suggest the need to determine optimization of aztreonam and meropenem dosing in CF, as well as to determine the clinical efficacy of doripenem in the treatment of APE. The usefulness of imipenem-cilastatin may be limited due to the rapid development of resistance.

Ciprofloxacin safety in paediatrics: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety of ciprofloxacin in paediatric patients in relation to arthropathy, any other adverse events (AEs) and drug interactions.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and bibliographies of relevant articles was carried out for all published articles, regardless of design, that involved the use of ciprofloxacin in any paediatric age group ≤ 17 years. Only articles that reported on safety were included.

RESULTS

105 articles met the inclusion criteria and involved 16 184 paediatric patients. There were 1065 reported AEs (risk 7%, 95% CI 3.2% to 14.0%). The most frequent AEs were musculoskeletal AEs, abnormal liver function tests, nausea, changes in white blood cell counts and vomiting. There were six drug interactions (with aminophylline (4) and methotrexate (2)). The only drug related death occurred in a neonate who had an anaphylactic reaction. 258 musculoskeletal events occurred in 232 paediatric patients (risk 1.6%, 95% CI 0.9% to 2.6%). Arthralgia accounted for 50% of these. The age of occurrence of arthropathy ranged from 7 months to 17 years (median 10 years). All cases of arthropathy resolved or improved with management. One prospective controlled study estimated the risk of arthropathy as 9.3 (OR 95% CI 1.2 to 195). Pooled safety data of controlled trials in this review estimated the risk of arthropathy as 1.57 (OR 95% CI 1.26 to 1.97).

CONCLUSION

Musculoskeletal AEs occur due to ciprofloxacin use. However, these musculoskeletal events are reversible with management. It is recommended that further prospective controlled studies should be carried out to evaluate the safety of ciprofloxacin, with particular focus on the risk of arthropathy.

Progression of pulmonary hyperinflation and trapped gas associated with genetic and environmental factors in children with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Functional deterioration in cystic fibrosis (CF) may be reflected by increasing bronchial obstruction and, as recently shown, by ventilation inhomogeneities. This study investigated which physiological factors (airway obstruction, ventilation inhomogeneities, pulmonary hyperinflation, development of trapped gas) best express the decline in lung function, and what role specific CFTR genotypes and different types of bronchial infection may have upon this process.

METHODS

Serial annual lung function tests, performed in 152 children (77 males; 75 females) with CF (age range: 6-18 y) provided data pertaining to functional residual capacity (FRCpleth, FRCMBNW), volume of trapped gas (VTG), effective specific airway resistance (sReff), lung clearance index (LCI), and forced expiratory indices (FVC, FEV1, FEF50).

RESULTS

All lung function parameters showed progression with age. Pulmonary hyperinflation (FRCpleth > 2SDS) was already present in 39% of patients at age 6-8 yrs, increasing to 67% at age 18 yrs. The proportion of patients with VTG > 2SDS increased from 15% to 54% during this period. Children with severe pulmonary hyperinflation and trapped gas at age 6-8 yrs showed the most pronounced disease progression over time. Age related tracking of lung function parameters commences early in life, and is significantly influenced by specific CFTR genotypes. The group with chronic P. aeruginosa infection demonstrated most rapid progression in all lung function parameters, whilst those with chronic S. aureus infection had the slowest rate of progression. LCI, measured as an index of ventilation inhomogeneities was the most sensitive discriminator between the 3 types of infection examined (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The relationships between lung function indices, CFTR genotypes and infective organisms observed in this study suggest that measurement of other lung function parameters, in addition to spirometry alone, may provide important information about disease progression in CF.

Oral ciprofloxacin vs. intramuscular ceftriaxone as empiric treatment of acute invasive diarrhea in children

BACKGROUND

Acute invasive diarrhea is a potentially serious condition in children. Because of the increasing resistance of enteric pathogens to commonly used oral antibiotics, intramuscular ceftriaxone has become the routine drug in the treatment of acute invasive diarrhea requiring an emergency visit in southern Israel. The inconvenience of this parenteral regimen created an increased need for oral pediatric formulations for the treatment of invasive diarrhea.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a suspension formulation of ciprofloxacin in the treatment of acute invasive diarrhea in infants and children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From July 1996 through December 1997, 201 evaluable children ages 6 months to 10 years (35% <1 year; 70% <3 years) presenting with acute invasive diarrhea at the Pediatric Emergency Room were randomized to receive either ciprofloxacin suspension (10 mg/kg twice a day + im placebo; n = 95) or im ceftriaxone (50 mg/kg/day + placebo suspension; n = 106) for 3 days in a double blind manner. Stool cultures for Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter spp. and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli were obtained on Days 1, 3, 4 to 5 and 21 +/- 5. Clinical response and safety were assessed on Days 1, 2, 3, 4 to 5 and 21 +/- 5.

RESULTS

We isolated 127 pathogens from 121 (60%) patients: 73 (57%) Shigella; 23 (18%) Salmonella; 18 (14%) E. coli; and 13 (10%) Campylobacter. Overall bacteriologic eradication on Day 4 to 5 was 99% for Shigella, 77% for Salmonella and 77% for Campylobacter, with no difference between the 2 groups. Clinical cure or improvement was observed in 100 and 99% of the ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone groups, respectively. Serum ciprofloxacin values determined on Day 3 of the treatment were higher in the majority of patients than were the MIC50 and MIC90 values for the Shigella and Salmonella spp. isolated. Possible drug-related adverse events occurred in 13 patients [ciprofloxacin, 8 (8%); ceftriaxone, 5 (4.7%)] and were mild and transient. Joint examination was normal during and after completion of therapy in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Oral ciprofloxacin was as safe and effective as intramuscular ceftriaxone for the empiric treatment of acute invasive diarrhea in ambulatory pediatric patients requiring an emergency room visit.

Oral ciprofloxacin vs. intravenous ceftazidime plus tobramycin in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients: comparison of antipseudomonas efficacy and assessment of safety with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Cystic Fibrosis Study Group

BACKGROUND

More data on the efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients are needed.

METHODS

One hundred eight pediatric cystic fibrosis patients (ages 5 to 17 years) with acute bronchopulmonary exacerbations entered a randomized multicenter trial designed to compare the safety and efficacy of antipseudomonas therapy with oral ciprofloxacin (15 mg/kg twice daily; maximum dosage 750 mg twice daily) or intravenous ceftazidime plus tobramycin (CAZ/TM) for 14 days.

RESULTS

Clinical improvement was observed in 93% of patients treated with oral ciprofloxacin and in 96% of those receiving parenteral therapy. Transient suppression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was achieved in 63% of patients at the end of the course of iv CAZ/TM therapy and in 24% receiving ciprofloxacin. Ultrasound examination and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging scans showed no evidence of cartilage toxicity in any of the ciprofloxacin-treated patients. Musculoskeletal adverse events were reported with similar frequency in the two groups of patients (7% in the group receiving ciprofloxacin therapy and 11% in the IV CAZ/TM group). The only sustained musculoskeletal symptom was a case of synovitis in a patient receiving parenteral CAZ/TM.

CONCLUSION

Ciprofloxacin thus appears to be safe and effective for use in young patients with bronchopulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis.

Ciprofloxacin as antipseudomonal treatment in patients with cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy and safety of oral ciprofloxacin as a maintenance antipseudomonal therapy were evaluated in 44 patients with cystic fibrosis who had completed a 14-day regimen of intensive hospital therapy with intravenous ceftazidime and amikacin, supplemented by amikacin inhalation therapy.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients were randomly assigned to oral ciprofloxacin alone (Group I) and 23 received ciprofloxacin plus inhaled amikacin (Group II).

RESULTS

Negative sputum cultures were achieved in 34 patients (77%) at the end of intensive therapy (19 Group I and 15 Group II) and were sustained after 3 months of maintenance therapy in 5 of the 19 responders in Group I (26%) and in 8 of the 15 responders in Group II (53%). Resistance to ciprofloxacin was found in 7 of 31 (23%) sputum isolates at the end of ciprofloxacin therapy. During maintenance therapy, continued improvement in clinical symptoms was observed in 14 patients in both treatment groups; 6 in each group had further improvements whereas only 4 patients were clinical failures. There was no correlation between clinical outcome and either elimination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from sputum culture or development of ciprofloxacin resistance. Both maintenance regimens were well-tolerated by this population of patients which included 28 children younger than 15 years of age. There were no severe or serious adverse events, no signs of quinolone-related arthropathy and no growth impairment.

CONCLUSION

Ciprofloxacin was efficacious, safe and well-tolerated as maintenance antipseudomonal therapy in cystic fibrosis patients. These results suggest further evaluation of ciprofloxacin as an oral maintenance therapy is warranted.

Ciprofloxacin. An updated review of its pharmacology, therapeutic efficacy and tolerability

Ciprofloxacin is a broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent. Since its introduction in the 1980s, most Gram-negative bacteria have remained highly susceptible to this agent in vitro; Gram-positive bacteria are generally susceptible or moderately susceptible. Ciprofloxacin attains therapeutic concentrations in most tissues and body fluids. The results of clinical trials with ciprofloxacin have confirmed its clinical efficacy and low potential for adverse effects. Ciprofloxacin is effective in the treatment of a wide variety of infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative pathogens. These include complicated urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhoea and chancroid), skin and bone infections, gastrointestinal infections caused by multiresistant organisms, lower respiratory tract infections (including those in patients with cystic fibrosis), febrile neutropenia (combined with an agent which possesses good activity against Gram-positive bacteria), intra-abdominal infections (combined with an antianaerobic agent) and malignant external otitis. Ciprofloxacin should not be considered a first-line empirical therapy for respiratory tract infections if penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae is the primary pathogen; however, it is an appropriate treatment option in patients with mixed infections (where S. pneumoniae may or may not be present) or in patients with predisposing factors for Gram-negative infections. Clinically important drug interactions involving ciprofloxacin are well documented and avoidable with conscientious prescribing. Recommended dosage adjustments in patients with impaired renal function vary between countries; major adjustments are not required until the estimated creatinine clearance is < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 (or when the serum creatinine level is > or = 2 mg/dl). Ciprofloxacin is one of the few broad spectrum antibacterials available in both intravenous and oral formulations. In this respect, it offers the potential for cost savings with sequential intravenous and oral therapy in appropriately selected patients and may allow early discharge from hospital in some instances. In conclusion, ciprofloxacin has retained its excellent activity against most Gram-negative bacteria, and fulfilled its potential as an important antibacterial drug in the treatment of a wide range of infections. Rational prescribing will help to ensure the continued clinical usefulness of this valuable antimicrobial drug.

Effect of high-affinity anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide antibodies induced by immunization on the rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in patients with cystic fibrosis

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF; N = 26) and with no prior history of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa were immunized with an octavalent O-polysaccharide-toxin A conjugate vaccine. During the next 4 years, 16 patients (61.5%) remained free of infection and 10 (38.5%) became infected. Total serum antilipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibody levels induced by immunization were comparable in infected and noninfected patients. In contrast, 12 of 16 noninfected versus 3 of 10 infected patients (p = 0.024) mounted and maintained a high-affinity anti-LPS antibody response. When compared retrospectively with the rate in a group of age- and gender-matched, nonimmunized, noncolonized patients with CF, the rate at which P. aeruginosa infections were acquired was significantly lower (p < or = 0.02) among all immunized versus nonimmunized patients during the first 2 years of observation. Subsequently, only those immunized patients who maintained a high-affinity anti-LPS antibody response had a significant reduction (p < or = 0.014) in the rate of infection during years 3 and 4. Smooth, typeable strains of P. aeruginosa predominated among immunized patients; rough, nontypeable strains were most frequently isolated from nonimmunized patients. Mucoid variants were isolated from one immunized patient versus six nonimmunized patients. These results indicate that the induction of a high-affinity P. aeruginosa anti-LPS antibody response can influence the rate of infection in patients with CF.

Safety and efficacy of ciprofloxacin in paediatric patients--review

Like all fluoroquinolones, ciprofloxacin causes articular damage in juvenile animals. Consequently, this drug was not recommended for children or pregnant women. However, due to its antibacterial effectiveness and convenience of oral administration, ciprofloxacin is now increasingly used for the treatment of certain infectious conditions in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years. In this paper the published literature on this subject is reviewed. Up to now, data are available on more than 1,500 paediatric patients who were given ciprofloxacin, two-thirds of whom were suffering from acute infectious bronchopulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis, mainly due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The effectiveness of oral ciprofloxacin for this indication compared well to that of standard intravenous combination regimens. The majority of the remaining published trials was conducted in children with multiresistant typhoid fever; the administration of ciprofloxacin was successful in up to 100% of the cases. The safety profile of ciprofloxacin in children and adolescents was very similar to that observed in adult patients. Adverse events were noted in 5-15%, with gastrointestinal, skin and central nervous system reactions being the most common. Reversible arthralgia occurred in 36 out of 1,113 patients with cystic fibrosis, and in no case could cartilage damage be demonstrated by radiographic procedures. Thus, publication data clearly suggest that the administration of ciprofloxacin to children is effective and safe, but there is a need for further prospective, well-controlled clinical trials.

Advances in the pharmacotherapy of cystic fibrosis

The quality of life and life-span of cystic fibrosis patients have been improved substantially in the last 20 or 30 years. This has been accomplished largely through improved early diagnosis and advances in traditional pharmacotherapy which mainly consists of antibiotic therapy. In the past few years, the basic cellular defect of cystic fibrosis, as well as the gene determining the disease, have been described. These milestones in the quest for knowledge about the disease open the door for other innovative forms of therapy. While corrective gene therapy may be the ultimate result of advances made based upon this new knowledge, we will probably see earlier breakthroughs in the form of immune reaction inhibition and correction of ion flux disturbances. Each of these present and future forms of therapy is explored in this paper.

Pharmacokinetics of single-dose oral ciprofloxacin in infants and small children

The pharmacokinetics of orally administered ciprofloxacin (CIP) was studied in seven infants aged 5 to 14 weeks and nine children aged 1 to 5 years, most of whom were Salmonella carriers. In each case, 15 mg of CIP per kg of body weight was given with water on an empty stomach, and timed serum samples were taken during the following 12 h. The elimination half-life of CIP was significantly (P less than 0.001) longer in the infants (2.73 +/- 0.28 h; mean +/- standard deviation) than it was in the children (1.28 +/- 0.52 h). The area under the serum CIP concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity was 16.1 +/- 7.4 mg.h.liter-1 among the infants and 5.3 +/- 3.3 mg.h.liter-1 in the children (P less than 0.01). No significant differences in the maximum concentration in serum, time to maximum concentration in serum, or absorption half-life were observed between the two groups. In contrast, the mean residence time was twofold longer in the infants (4.6 h) than it was in the children (2.4 h; P less than 0.001). The findings suggest that elimination of CIP is particularly rapid in children who just have passed infancy; they may require doses at shorter time intervals than those required by infants or older children or adults. In general, an oral dose of 10 to 15 mg of CIP per kg three times daily seems appropriate for children aged 1 to 5 years.

Safety of ciprofloxacin in children: worldwide clinical experience based on compassionate use. Emphasis on joint evaluation

Six hundred and thirty four adolescents and children aged three days to 17 years treated with ciprofloxacin on a compassionate basis were analysed for drug safety. 62% of the ciprofloxacin courses were given to patients with respiratory tract infection, primarily those with acute pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis. The mean daily oral dose was 25.2 mg/kg body weight. The duration of treatment ranged from one to 880 days (mean 22.8 days). Because of the arthropathogenic potential of quinolones in juvenile animals special emphasis was placed on the evaluation of musculoskeletal adverse events. Arthralgia considered by the treating physicians to be related to ciprofloxacin was reported in eight children, all of whom were females. Arthralgia resolved in all children. Some of these children were given subsequent courses of ciprofloxacin with no complaints of arthralgia. Overall, the safety profile of ciprofloxacin in children is not substantially different from that of adults.

Use of quinolones in pediatrics

Compared to nalidixic acid, the new quinolones possess an enlarged antimicrobial spectrum, greatly enhanced bactericidal activity, and substantial pharmacokinetic advantages. Because their activity against streptococci is limited the quinolones presently available will never be included in routine regimens for children. Moreover, adequate pharmacokinetic studies are still lacking in pediatrics, and potential drug toxicity warrants further long-term monitoring. Nevertheless, various studies strongly suggest that there is no quinolone-induced cartilage toxicity in humans, and the results of published clinical trials with fluoroquinolones in pediatric patients show promising efficacy and safety. From a review of the available data it is concluded that use of the quinolones in children should be limited to specific infections which are usually caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis, and are complicated by underlying pathologic or special conditions such as cystic fibrosis or urologic abnormality. In each case, careful monitoring to determine efficacy, potential adverse effects including drug-drug interaction and toxicity, and any emergence of bacterial resistance is mandatory.

Fluoroquinolones in the treatment of cystic fibrosis: a critical appraisal

While the appropriate usage of antibiotics in cystic fibrosis patients is still a matter of debate, the introduction of oral antipseudomonal antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones represents an eagerly awaited addition to the therapeutic armamentarium. Ciprofloxacin is the single agent most often studied and used in this population for treatment of pulmonary exacerbations. Altered pharmacokinetics of fluoroquinolones have been described in cystic fibrosis patients as for other drugs, and a higher dosage than usual is recommended. Open clinical trials have shown good efficacy of ciprofloxacin in acute infection. A few comparative trials have demonstrated that ciprofloxacin is as effective clinically as conventional intravenous agents. As with other agents, a lack of correlation between clinical improvement and bacteriologic evaluation has been observed. Ciprofloxacin (and possibly ofloxacin) are considered useful alternatives to parenteral agents in therapy of cystic fibrosis patients older than 18 years of age with exacerbations of pulmonary infection. Intermittent therapy with ciprofloxacin alternating with other conventional treatment appears to be a rational approach; clinical trials evaluating the alternation of fluoroquinolones with intravenous anti-pseudomonal therapy are necessary. Considering the potential for emergence of resistance and the not completely elucidated implication of increasing MICs during ciprofloxacin therapy, the duration of treatment should be limited to 2 to 4 weeks. In older children (12 to 18 years old), ciprofloxacin provides an alternative to intravenous agents when clinically justifiable. In view of the possibility of fluoroquinolone associated-arthropathy in younger children, ciprofloxacin should be used judiciously when no alternative agents are available or in life-threatening situations.

Comparative activity of cefepime, alone and in combination, against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas cepacia from cystic fibrosis patients

The comparative in vitro activity and synergy of cefepime were evaluated with clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas cepacia from cystic fibrosis patients. The activity of cefepime, both alone and in combination, was comparable to those of other antibiotics. The clinical efficacy of cefepime in cystic fibrosis patients merits investigation.