查看文章

Background: Macrolides display immunomodulatory effects that may be beneficial in chronic inflammatory pulmonary diseases. The aim of the study was to document whether long term use of azithromycin may be associated with respiratory benefits in young patients with cystic fibrosis.

Methods: A multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted from October 2001 to June 2003. The criteria for enrolment were age older than 6 years and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) of 40% or more. The active group received either 250 mg or 500 mg (body weight < or ⩾40 kg) of oral azithromycin three times a week for 12 months. The primary end point was change in FEV₁.

Results: Eighty two patients of mean (SD) age 11.0 (3.3) years and mean (SD) FEV₁ 85 (22)% predicted were randomised: 40 in the azithromycin group and 42 in the placebo group. Nineteen patients were infected …