Changes in pediatric health-related quality of life in cystic fibrosis after IV antibiotic treatment for pulmonary exacerbations

J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2010 Mar;17(1):49-55. doi: 10.1007/s10880-009-9179-2.

Abstract

Intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy for pulmonary exacerbations (PE) has been shown to improve pulmonary functioning for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, little is known about its effects on pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This prospective study assessed the impact of IV treatment of a PE on generic and CF-specific HRQOL for children and adolescents with CF. Participants included 52 children and adolescents with CF experiencing a PE (M (age) = 13.6 years; 54% males; M(FEV(1%)) predicted = 58.8%). HRQOL, pulmonary functioning, and body mass index were assessed before and after IV antibiotic treatment. Results of this prospective, observational study indicated significant improvements on CFQ-R Respiratory (M (change score) = 11.7; 95% CI = 6.3-17.1; p < .0001) and Weight (M (change score) = 15.9; 95% CI = 7.9-23.8; p < .0001) scales. The CF-specific measure was more sensitive to changes in HRQOL than the generic instrument. These data suggest that CF-specific HRQOL improves with treatment for a PE with IV antibiotics. The noted statistically and clinically significant changes in the CFQ-respiratory scale indicate that the measure may be beneficial to pulmonary health care teams.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Lung Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Lung Diseases* / etiology
  • Lung Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents