Effect of Probiotics on Sputum Inflammation and Pulmonary Infections in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

The Effect of Probiotics on Sputum Bacteria, Sputum Inflammation, and Pulmonary Infections in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial

Patients with Cystic Fibrosis have multiple pulmonary infections and repeated antibiotic treatment. These factors taken together with high sputum viscosity and slow motility of the gastrointestinal tract-may change the pathogenicity and consistency of the intestinal pathogens. Part of the pulmonary infections in CF patients are due to intestinal pathogens. A pilot study performed by the researchers using probiotics in CF patients showed a decrease in the rate of pulmonary infections. Therefore,we planned a double-blind placebo-controlled trial to examine the effect of probiotics on pulmonary infections, sputum bacteria and sputum inflammatory markers in CF patients.

Patients with Cystic Fibrosis have multiple pulmonary infections and repeated antibiotic treatment. These factors taken together with high sputum viscosity and slow motility of the gastrointestinal tract-may change the pathogenicity and consistency of the intestinal pathogens. Part of the pulmonary infections in CF patients are due to intestinal pathogens. A pilot study performed by the researchers using probiotics in CF patients showed a decrease in the rate of pulmonary infections. Therefore,we planned a double-blind placebo-controlled trial to examine the effect of probiotics on pulmonary infections, sputum bacteria and sputum inflammatory markers in CF patients. The study will be a cross-over study of probiotic and placebo arms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cystic fibrosis mild to moderate
• at least 3 pulmonary exacerbations requiring antibiotics per year
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the sputum
• able to produce sputum

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe pulmonary disease
• less than 3 pulmonary exacerbations per year
• unable to produce sputum