Azithromycin reduces inflammation in infant cystic fibrosis: trial
The treatment could be considered routinely for early management, Australian researchers say
Azithromycin treatment from diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns can significantly reduce airway inflammation and hospitalisations, a landmark Australian and New Zealand study finds.
Although the macrolide failed to reduce the extent of structural lung damage, the Telethon Kids Institute-led team in Perth say it could still be considered for routine early management of paediatric cases.
In the phase III clinical trial — dubbed COMBAT-CF — 130 infants diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) were assigned to either thrice-weekly azithromycin (10mg/kg) or placebo until 36 months of age to assess treatment efficacy and safety.
The median enrolment age was 3.3 months and 82% of the cohort completed all quarterly trial visits.
