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Prophylactic Antibiotics in Cystic Fibrosis: A Conviction without Evidence?
Author(s) -
Smyth Alan
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.20305
Subject(s) - medicine , cystic fibrosis , antibiotics , conviction , intensive care medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , political science , law , biology
Pulmonary infection with Staphylococcus aureus occurs in young children with cystic fibrosis, and may contribute to the cycle of infection, inflammation, and destruction of lung tissue which leads to bronchiectasis. Practice guidelines in North America and the UK differ greatly with regard to the advice given on prescribing prophylactic antistaphylococcal antibiotics to young children with cystic fibrosis. This article reviews the evidence behind these guidelines, and suggests a pragmatic approach to clinical practice. The implications for research are also discussed, and suggestions are made for clinical trials to inform future guidelines. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.