EFFECT OF RESPIRATORY VIRUS-INFECTIONS INCLUDING RHINOVIRUS ON CLINICAL STATUS IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

One hundred and eight patients with cystic fibrosis were investigated over one year to determine whether an association existed between rhin ovirus or other respiratory virus infection and clinical status. Force d expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC ), Shwachman score, Chrispin-Norman chest radiograph score, and percen tage weight for height were recorded at the beginning and end of the s tudy; days of intravenous antibiotics were noted. Nasopharyngeal aspir ates were taken for viral studies during respiratory exacerbations. Se rum was collected at enrolment and 2-6 weeks after each respiratory ex acerbation. One hundred and fifty seven exacerbations occurred in 76 p atients. Respiratory virus infection was detected in 44 exacerbations and rhinovirus was present in 16% (25/157) of exacerbations. Patients with one or more respiratory virus infections were compared with those who had none. When all respiratory virus infections were considered, patients had a significantly greater deterioration in Shwachman score and received significantly more days of intravenous antibiotics. When rhinovirus was considered separately, patients received significantly more days of intravenous antibiotics, but showed no deterioration in c linical status. However, patients infected with another respiratory vi rus had a significant decline in FEV(1), with trends towards significa nce for decline in FVC and Shwachman score.