Airway Clearance for Pediatric and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients Using a Portable Intra-Pulmonary Percussion Device

Airway Clearance for Pediatric and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients Using a Portable Intra-Pulmonary Percussion Device (PIAPD)

This is a pilot study where the investigators aim to compare initial use of the standard airway clearance device (SACD), most commonly used being High frequency vest airway clearance system (VEST) with subsequent use of a Portable Intra-Pulmonary Percussion Device (PIAPD) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages 6 -21 years. The primary hypothesis is that there is no effect of PIAPD on Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 2 hours after use, there is no effect on perception of effort and efficacy for the PIAPD. If both are equally effective, the latter device provides an alternative that is both cheaper and portable.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 6-21 years
• Cystic fibrosis stable by physician assessment
• Assents to forego additional experimental treatments during the study
• Currently using and familiar with airway clearance therapy for treatment of cystic fibrosis
• Participant (or parent or legal guardian if the participant is a minor) is willing to provide -----Informed Consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• FEV1 < 40% predictive

• Pneumothorax

• Hemoptysis

• Coronavirus disease (COVID) 19 diagnosis within last 14 days

• Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the study conduct or the safety of the participant

  • Additional Exclusion Criteria: Outpatient Arm (in addition to general exclusion criteria above) Decrease in FEV1 > 10% from baseline over last 12 months Antibiotic Initiation for acute CF exacerbation Hospitalization for CF Exacerbation
  • Additional Exclusion Criteria: Inpatient Arm (in addition to general exclusion criteria above) Failure to increase FEV1 > 10 % from initial Pulmonary function testing (PFTs) on admission by day 9 of hospitalization.