IMPLICATIONS OF EARLY INFLAMMATION AND INFECTION IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS -A REVIEW OF NEW AND POTENTIAL INTERVENTIONS

Airway infection and inflammation occur early in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, suggesting the need for early treatment. Our current app roach to routine management of CF includes a comprehensive, CF center- directed program that aims at maintaining normal nutrition and delayin g the progression of lung disease. Regular secretion clearance, freque nt antibiotics, and bronchodilators are commonly used. However, despit e this early, aggressive, comprehensive management, airway inflammatio n and infection progress. Several other recent approaches such as the use of corticosteroids and ibuprofen to decrease inflammation, as well as dornase alfa to thin secretions and improve pulmonary function, ar e under investigation in young children. Other potential treatments in clude amiloride/uridine triphosphate and hypertonic saline aerosol. Ea rly treatment offers the promise of reducing morbidity as well as dela ying the progression of later disease. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.