Macrolide antibiotics for cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is characterised by chest infection, the antibiotic treatment of which has significantly improved the outlook for people with this condition. The unusual nature of organisms that infect the chest of individuals with cystic fibrosis has restricted antibiotic choice. In particular the bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is resistant to nearly all antibiotics that can be taken by mouth. There is laboratory evidence and evidence from other disease processes that macrolide antibiotics, whilst not directly active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, may have indirect actions against this bacteria.

This review aimed to test the hypotheses that macrolide antibiotics; 1) Improve clinical status compared to placebo or another antibiotic 2) do not have unacceptable adverse effects If benefit was demonstrated, we aimed to assess the optimal type, dose and duration of macrolide therapy.

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group specialist trials register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearching relevant journals and handsearching abstract books of conference proceedings. In addition, Principal Investigators, known to work in the field and previous authors were contacted for unpublished or follow up data. Pharmaceutical companies, that manufacture macrolide antibiotics, were approached.

Randomised controlled trials, published or unpublished, of macrolide compared to placebo, another class of antibiotic or another macrolide. Studies which compare regimes of the same macrolide at different doses will also be included.

No completed randomised controlled trials were identified.

Three open studies excluded. Four ongoing randomised controlled trials were identified. No completed randomised controlled trials were identified.

At present, there are no randomised controlled trials to evaluate the use of macrolide antibiotics for the treatment of chest infection in people with cystic fibrosis. Such trials, with clear outcome measures, are needed to properly evaluate this potentially useful treatment for cystic fibrosis.