Real life evaluation of intravenous antibiotic treatment in a paediatric cystic fibrosis centre: outcome of home therapy is not inferior.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on the efficacy and safety of home intravenous antibiotic (IV-AB) therapy for pulmonary infection specifically in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).

METHODS: We report on the outcome of IV-AB in the home vs hospital setting based on retrospective single centre patient data from 1999 to 2004 (age >5 and <18 years). Treatment location was chosen based on estimation of competence, adherence, social background and patient preference. Primary outcome parameter was change in FEV(1). Secondary outcome parameters were weight and IgG as well as occurrence of complications.

RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one treatment observations (TOs) were analysed for 47 patients. Mean age was 13.32 (+/-2.9) years and mean FEV(1) 65 (+/-19) % predicted. Fifty-four (41%) TO's were home and 77 (59%) were hospital treatments. Percent change in FEV(1) and weight gain was comparable in the 2 settings. Complications were rare in both groups.

CONCLUSION: The outcome of IV-AB therapy for lung infection in children with CF was not inferior in the home compared to the hospital setting. In our centre, home IV-AB treatment is a valuable treatment option for children with CF.