Outcomes associated with antibiotic regimens for treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium abscessus infection is associated with declining lung function in cystic fibrosis (CF), but there is little evidence on clinical efficacy to guide treatment.

METHODS: Retrospective review of 37 CF patients treated for M. abscessus respiratory infection at a single center from 2006 to 2014. Outcomes included change in FEV1 at 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365days after treatment and clearance of M. abscessus from sputum cultures.

RESULTS: Lung function was significantly improved after 30 and 60days of treatment, but not at later time points. Gains were inversely related to starting lung function. Antibiotic choices did not influence outcomes except for greater clearance with clarithromycin.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of M. abscessus resulted in short term improvement in lung function that is inversely related to pre-treatment FEV1 .