Sputum Purulence as a Predictor of Cystic Fibrosis Exacerbations: a Prospective Cohort Trial.

Sputum Purulence as a Predictor of Cystic Fibrosis Exacerbations: a Prospective Cohort Trial.

To use the sputum colour chart as a predictor for cystic fibrosis exaerbations

Patients will score their sputum purulence daily using three colour charts. They will also score for respiratory and other symptoms.

Primary analysis will focus on the predicting value of sputum purulence on exacerbations. Secondary analysis will evaluate symptoms on exacerbation prediction. A third subanalysis will focus on correlation of daily pollution fluctuations and sputum purulence or symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization
• at least 2 exacerbations in the previous year
• at least 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• colour blindness