Acid and non-acid reflux during physiotherapy in young children with cystic fibrosis

Thinking outside the box: a review of gastrointestinal symptoms and complications in cystic fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal (GI)-related symptoms, complications, and comorbidities in cystic fibrosis (CF) are common and research to reduce their burden is a priority for the CF community. To enable future research, this review aimed to summarize the range of GI symptoms, complications and comorbidities seen in CF, the underlying pathophysiology, and treatments.

AREAS COVERED

This was a rapid systematic review undertaken using the recommendations from the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. We searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Medline and the Cochrane database and identified those studies reporting GI-related symptoms, complications, or comorbidities in CF or their treatment. Our searches identified 2,930 studies and a total 119 studies met our inclusion criteria. Where a prevalence could be determined, GI symptoms were reported in 33.7% of study participants. The range of symptoms reported was broad and the highest median prevalence included flatulence (43.5%), bloating and abdominal distension (36%), and fatty stool (36%). Meconium ileus was reported in 12% and distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in 8.5.

EXPERT OPINION

GI-related symptoms, complications, and comorbidities in CF are common. More consistent characterization and recording of these symptoms in clinical studies may help achieve the priority of reducing the burden of GI disease in CF.

The effects of assisted autogenic drainage, combined or not with bouncing on gastroesophageal reflux in infants

AIM

This study aimed to determine the effect of assisted autogenic drainage (AAD) with or without bouncing (BAAD) on both acid and non-acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants <1 year.

METHODS

During a 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH), infants were treated with a 20-min intervention of AAD (in supine position) or BAAD (in upright position), 2 h postprandial. In this controlled trial with intra-subject design, the number of reflux episodes (REs) was the primary outcome measure. The results during AAD and BAAD were compared to a baseline period before intervention and 20 min after intervention.

RESULTS

Overall, 50 infants were included in both groups. During AAD a significant decrease of RE's was found compared to baseline (p = 0.001). No significant differences were found in the BAAD group compared to baseline (p = 0.125).

CONCLUSION

AAD and BAAD do not cause or increase GER in infants under the age of 1 year.

Systems Biology and Bile Acid Signalling in Microbiome-Host Interactions in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung

The study of the respiratory microbiota has revealed that the lungs of healthy and diseased individuals harbour distinct microbial communities. Imbalances in these communities can contribute to the pathogenesis of lung disease. How these imbalances occur and establish is largely unknown. This review is focused on the genetically inherited condition of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Understanding the microbial and host-related factors that govern the establishment of chronic CF lung inflammation and pathogen colonisation is essential. Specifically, dissecting the interplay in the inflammation–pathogen–host axis. Bile acids are important host derived and microbially modified signal molecules that have been detected in CF lungs. These bile acids are associated with inflammation and restructuring of the lung microbiota linked to chronicity. This community remodelling involves a switch in the lung microbiota from a high biodiversity/low pathogen state to a low biodiversity/pathogen-dominated state. Bile acids are particularly associated with the dominance of Proteobacterial pathogens. The ability of bile acids to impact directly on both the lung microbiota and the host response offers a unifying principle underpinning the pathogenesis of CF. The modulating role of bile acids in lung microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation could offer new potential targets for designing innovative therapeutic approaches for respiratory disease.

Prolonged Slow Expiration Technique and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants Under the Age of 1 Year

Background: The Prolonged Slow Expiration Technique (PSE) is an airway clearance technique (ACT) carried out in newborn children with bronchial obstruction and hypersecretion to clear away the mucus from the respiratory tract. Evidence about the effect of PSE on gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is currently lacking in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of PSE on GER in infants under the age of 1 year. Methods: Infants were observed using multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) over 24 h. During monitoring, the participants were treated with one 20 min intervention of PSE in supine position, 2 h after feeding. In this controlled trial with intra-subject design, the number of reflux episodes (REs) during PSE were compared to 20 min before and after PSE. Results: Fifty infants younger than 1 year were screened of whom 22 had a pathological GER. For the entire group, no significant difference was seen in the total number of REs between before, during, or after the PSE treatment (P = 0.76). No significant difference in total REs was found between the three measuring points (P = 0.59) in the group of infants with an abnormal MII-pH (n = 22). Conclusion: PSE does not cause a significant difference in REs in infants younger than 1 year. Registration number: NCT03341585.

Focus on gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with cystic fibrosis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder in cystic fibrosis (CF), and based on various studies, its prevalence is elevated since childhood. There are several pathogenetic mechanisms on the basis of association between CF and GERD. However, there are no specific guidelines for GERD in CF patients, so diagnosis is based on guidelines performed on patients not affected by CF. The aim of this review is to provide the pathophysiology, diagnostic and therapeutic options, complications, and future directions in the management of GERD patients with CF.

The influence of Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation on gastroesophageal reflux in infants under the age of 1 year

BACKGROUND

Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) is an airway clearance technique used at any age to facilitate the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract. The effect of IPV on gastroesophageal reflux(GER) is not well documented. This study aimed to determine the influence of IPV on GER in infants.

METHODS

During a 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH), infants in the intervention group received a20 minutes session of IPV in upright position, 2 hours postprandial. The control group received no intervention and was placed in the same position for 20 minutes, 2 hours postprandial. The number of reflux episodes (REs) during IPV as compared to the number of REs in the control group during the 20 minutes period.

RESULTS

Fifty infants were included in each group;21 infants in the IPV group and 14 infants in the control group were diagnosed with abnormal MII-pH (P = .142). During IPV, the number of REs was significantly lower than in the control group (P < .001). Also in the subgroups with abnormal or normal MII-pH, a significantly lower number of REs during IPV was found (P = .011, P = .011 respectively).

CONCLUSION

IPV decreases the number of REs in infants independent of the results of MII-pH.

Standard (head-down tilt) versus modified (without head-down tilt) postural drainage in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Postural drainage is used primarily in infants with cystic fibrosis from diagnosis up to the moment when they are mature enough to actively participate in self-administered treatments. However, there is a risk of gastroesophageal reflux associated with this technique.This is an update of a review published in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of standard postural drainage (15º to 45º head-down tilt) with modified postural drainage (15º to 30º head-up tilt) with regard to gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children up to six years old with cystic fibrosis in terms of safety and efficacy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. Additional searches were conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov and on the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for any planned, ongoing and unpublished studies.The date of the most recent literature searches: 19 June 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled studies that compared two postural drainage regimens (standard and modified postural drainage) with regard to gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children (up to and including six years old) with cystic fibrosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently identified studies for inclusion, extracted outcome data and assessed risk of bias. We resolved disagreements by consensus or by involving a third review author. We contacted study authors to obtain missing or additional information. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies, involving a total of 40 participants, were eligible for inclusion in the review. We included no new studies in the 2018 update. The included studies were different in terms of the age of participants, the angle of tilt, the reported outcomes, the number of sessions and the study duration. The following outcomes were measured: appearance or exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux episodes; percentage of peripheral oxygen saturation; number of exacerbations of upper respiratory tract symptoms; number of days on antibiotics for acute exacerbations; chest X-ray scores; and pulmonary function tests. One study reported that postural drainage with a 20° head-down position did not appear to exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux. However, the majority of the reflux episodes in this study reached the upper oesophagus (moderate-quality evidence). The second included study reported that modified postural drainage (30° head-up tilt) was associated with fewer number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and fewer respiratory complications than standard postural drainage (30° head-down tilt) (moderate-quality evidence). The included studies had an overall low risk of bias. One included study was funded by the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation and the other by the Royal Children's Hospital Research Foundation and Physiotherapy Research Foundation of Australia. Data were not able to be pooled by meta-analysis due to differences in the statistical presentation of the data.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The limited evidence regarding the comparison between the two regimens of postural drainage is still weak due to the small number of included studies, the small number of participants assessed, the inability to perform any meta-analyses and some methodological issues with the studies. However, it may be inferred that the use of a postural regimen with a 30° head-up tilt is associated with a lower number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and fewer respiratory complications in the long term. The 20° head-down postural drainage position was not found to be significantly different from the 20° head-up tilt modified position. Nevertheless, the fact that the majority of reflux episodes reached the upper oesophagus should make physiotherapists carefully consider their treatment strategy. We do not envisage that there will be any new trials undertaken that will affect the conclusions of this review; therefore, we do not plan to update this review.

Influence of bouncing and assisted autogenic drainage on acid gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants

OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of modern airway clearance techniques using assisted autogenic drainage (AAD), whether or not combined with bouncing, on acid gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in infants <1 year.

METHODS

In this controlled trial with intra-subject design infants were studied using oesophageal pH monitoring over 24 h, during which they received one 15 min session of bouncing, AAD or bouncing combined with AAD (BAAD). The number of reflux episodes (RE) and the refluxindex (RI) were the outcome measures. The results obtained during (T15) and 15 min after the intervention (T30) were compared to a period of 15 min before treatment (T0).

RESULTS

The results of 150 infants, evenly distributed over the three treatment groups, were analyzed. No significant differences were found in number of RE at T15 and T30 compared to T0 in the bouncing group (P = 0.42), the AAD group (P = 0.14), and the BAAD group (P = 0.91). RI was significantly lower in the AAD group at T15 compared to T0 (P < 0.01). No differences in RI were found in the bouncing group (P = 0.28), nor in the BAAD group (P = 0.81).

CONCLUSION

Bouncing, AAD and BAAD do not induce, nor aggravate acid GOR in infants under the age of 1 year.

Influence of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation in upright position on gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants

OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of physiotherapy using intrapulmonary percussive ventilation on gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in infants <1 year.

METHODS

In this controlled trial with intra-subject design, children were studied using multichannel intraluminal impedance pH (pH-MII) monitoring over 24 hr, during which they received one 20-min session of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation in upright position (IPV_R ), 2 hr after their latest feeding. Two hours after each feeding, the number of reflux episodes (RE) over a 20-min period was registered for each infant and a mean per 20 min was calculated in order to obtain a baseline value. The number of RE during IPV_R intervention was compared to baseline.

RESULTS

Fifty infants with a median age of 133 days were recruited of whom 21 were diagnosed with pathological GOR. During IPV_R , the incidence of RE in the entire group was significantly lower compared to baseline; median (inter-quartile range [IQR]) 0 (0-1) versus 0.71 (0-1.33) RE, respectively, P = 0.003. The subgroup with abnormal GOR showed also a significant decrease of RE during IPV_R ; median (IQR) 0 (0-1) versus 1.17 (0.55-2.16) RE, respectively, P = 0.03. No difference was detected in the group with normal reflux; median (IQR) 0.6 (0-1) compared to 0 (0-1) RE, respectively, P = 0.34.

CONCLUSION

IPV_R does not induce, nor aggravate GOR in infants without and with pathological GOR, respectively, but on the contrary decreases the number of RE in patients with pathological reflux. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1065-1071. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Physiotherapy for cystic fibrosis in Australia and New Zealand: A clinical practice guideline

Physiotherapy management is a key element of care for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) throughout the lifespan. Although considerable evidence exists to support physiotherapy management of CF, there is documented variation in practice. The aim of this guideline is to optimize the physiotherapy management of people with CF in Australia and New Zealand. A systematic review of the literature in key areas of physiotherapy practice for CF was undertaken. Recommendations were formulated based on National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) guidelines and considered the quality, quantity and level of the evidence; the consistency of the body of evidence; the likely clinical impact; and applicability to physiotherapy practice in Australia and New Zealand. A total of 30 recommendations were made for airway clearance therapy, inhalation therapy, exercise assessment and training, musculoskeletal management, management of urinary incontinence, managing the newly diagnosed patient with CF, delivery of non-invasive ventilation, and physiotherapy management before and after lung transplantation. These recommendations can be used to underpin the provision of evidence-based physiotherapy care to people with CF in Australia and New Zealand.

Cystic fibrosis from the gastroenterologist's perspective

Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting, recessive disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Increased survival outcomes and the multisystem nature of the disease, including the involvement of hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tracts, now require the need for more extensive knowledge and expertise in cystic fibrosis among gastroenterologists. Manifestations are either a direct consequence of the primary defect in cystic fibrosis or a secondary complication of the disease or therapy. Adult patients with cystic fibrosis also have an increased risk of malignancy in the gastrointestinal and pancreatico-biliary tracts compared with the general population. Novel treatments that target the basic defects in the CFTR protein have emerged, but to date not much is known about their effects on the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems. The introduction of such therapies has provided new opportunities for the application of intestinal endpoints in clinical trials and the understanding of underlying disease mechanisms that affect the gut in cystic fibrosis.

Gastric emptying and gastro-oesophageal reflux in children with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gastric emptying (GE) and GOR in children with CF.

METHODS

Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) to measure GOR and GE breath test (GEBT) to measure GE were performed in 28 children with symptoms suggestive for GOR disease (GORD) (group 1). GEBT was performed in another 28 children with/without GOR symptoms who agreed to undergo GEBT but not MII-pH (group 2).

RESULTS

In group 1, we found increased acid GOR (AGOR) in 46.4% and delayed GE (DGE) in 21.4% but no relationship between increased AGOR and DGE. There was no DGE in group 2. We found DGE in 10.7% and rapid GE in 12.5% of the whole group.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of the children with CF and symptoms suggestive for GORD have increased AGOR and almost a quarter has DGE. However, there was no relation between GOR and GE.

Influence of respiratory physiotherapy on gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To provide a survey on the literature concerning the influence of respiratory physiotherapy on gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in infants and young children.

METHODS

Electronic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, PEDro) and reference lists of articles and narrative reviews were searched. Articles were included when infants and small children underwent oesophageal pH monitoring or pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring while respiratory physiotherapy was administered. Descriptive analysis was performed and two researchers scored the methodological quality of these studies.

RESULTS

Out of 985 articles, seven (six English, one French) have been included, In total 277 patients were involved, 71 with cystic fibrosis. Depending on the technique used, four studies showed GOR to be aggravated during therapy, three studies reported no effect.

CONCLUSION

The evidence is not conclusive on whether respiratory physiotherapy induces or aggravates GOR in infants and small children. Age, disease, and treatment options play an important role. More specific research, also focussing on the influence of respiratory physiotherapy on non-acid reflux and the impact of recently developed airway clearance techniques (ACT's) on GOR is necessary.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in cystic fibrosis and implications for lung disease

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and is often regarded as playing a role in the pathogenesis of CF lung disease. Individuals with CF have many predisposing factors to the development of GER, with a reported prevalence ranging from 35 to 81%. Several studies have suggested that patients with CF who have coexisting GER have more severe lung disease with lower pulmonary function and increased numbers of respiratory exacerbations. Furthermore, GER may alter the respiratory microbiology in CF. Both the acid and nonacid components of GER may have an effect on lung disease. More than 50% of U.S. patients with CF were being treated with proton pump inhibitors in 2012; however, data regarding safety and efficacy of these agents in CF are lacking. Pharmacologic and surgical treatment of GER may improve respiratory morbidity, although prospective controlled studies have not been performed. Given the lack of evidence-based guidelines for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of GER in CF, initiation of treatment for symptomatic GER should be based on standard guidelines for the general population. Because there is no clear evidence that GER leads to worse respiratory outcomes in CF or that treatment of GER improves pulmonary outcomes, invasive testing for GER in patients without reflux symptoms is not warranted. Further studies to determine the role of GER in CF lung disease and the risks and benefits of surgical and pharmacologic therapy for GER are warranted.

Standard (head-down tilt) versus modified (without head-down tilt) postural drainage in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Postural drainage is used primarily in infants with cystic fibrosis from diagnosis up to the moment when they are mature enough to actively participate in self-administered treatments. However, there is a risk of gastroesophageal reflux associated with this technique.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of standard postural drainage (greater (30° to 45° head-down tilt) and lesser (15° to 20° head-down tilt)) with modified postural drainage (greater (30º head-up tilt) or lesser (15º to 20º head-up tilt)) with regard to gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children up to six years old with cystic fibrosis in terms of safety and efficacy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. Additional searches were conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov and on the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for any planned, ongoing and unpublished studies.The date of the most recent literature searches: 20 January 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled studies that compared two postural drainage regimens (standard and modified postural drainage) with regard to gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children (up to and including six years old) with cystic fibrosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected the studies to be included in the review, assessed their risk of bias and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies, including 40 participants, were eligible for inclusion in the review. The studies were different in terms of the age of participants, the angle of tilt, the reported outcomes, the number of sessions and the study duration. The following outcomes were measured: appearance or exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux episodes; percentage of peripheral oxygen saturation; number of exacerbations of upper respiratory tract symptoms; number of days on antibiotics for acute exacerbations; chest X-ray scores; and pulmonary function tests. One study reported that postural drainage with a 20° head-down position did not appear to exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux. However, the majority of the reflux episodes reached the upper oesophagus. The second included study reported that modified postural drainage (30º head-up tilt) was associated with fewer number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and fewer respiratory complications than standard postural drainage (30º head-down tilt). The included studies had an overall low risk of bias. Data were not able to be pooled by meta-analysis due to differences in the statistical presentation of the data.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence regarding the comparison between the two regimens of postural drainage is still weak due to the small number of included studies, the small number of participants assessed, the inability to perform any meta-analyses and some methodological issues with the studies. However, it may be inferred that the use of a postural regimen with a 30° head-up tilt is associated with a lower number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and fewer respiratory complications in the long term. The 20º head-down postural drainage position was not found to be significantly different from the 20º head-up tilt modified position. Nevertheless, the fact that the majority of reflux episodes reached the upper oesophagus should make physiotherapists carefully consider their treatment strategy.

[Influence of chest physiotherapy on gastro-œsophageal reflux in children]

INTRODUCTION

Chest physiotherapy is regularly prescribed for children, particularly in cystic fibrosis. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is common in this disease and is associated with certain chest physiotherapy manoeuvres.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the influence of two chest physiotherapy techniques on gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Twenty-nine children were investigated by routine pHmetry. During the examination, they performed two chest physiotherapy manoeuvres in a seated position for 10 minutes each with a 5 minutes rest between them. The two manoeuvres used were a slow expiration technique (ELPr) and positive expiratory pressure (PEP). It was a prospective study and the order of manoeuvres was randomised. The pH traces were analysed blindly when all the studies had been completed.

RESULTS

In the sample, 21% of children had gastro-oesophageal reflux during the physiotherapy session. No relationship was found between reflux during physiotherapy and pathological reflux (P=0.411) nor the physiotherapy technique used (P=0.219).

CONCLUSION

The use of these two chest physiotherapy techniques in children in a seated position can produce gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Comparison of conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and high-frequency chest wall oscillation in primary ciliary dyskinesia

BACKGROUND

Enhancement of mucociliary clearance by pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is advocated in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Our primary aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of postural drainage, percussion and vibration [conventional PR (CPR)], and high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) by studying change in pulmonary function. Our secondary aim was to evaluate patient preferences regarding the two methods.

METHODS

This was a controlled randomized crossover study. PCD patients between the ages of 7 and 18 years were assigned to two groups, first group performed airway clearance with CPR at hospital for 5 days and after a 2-day washout period HFCWO was applied to the same group at home. HFCWO was applied first to the other group and then these patients were hospitalized for CPR. The primary outcome measure of the study was pulmonary function test (PFT). The secondary outcomes were pulse arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) and the perceived efficiency and comfort level.

RESULTS

PFT values of patients increased significantly after both PR methods (before/after): CPR: FVC: 77.0 ± 14.1/81.8 ± 13.0 (P = 0.002); FEV1 : 72.9 ± 14.8/78.7 ± 13.5 (P = 0.001); PEF: 73.8 ± 14.5/82.5 ± 14.5 (P = 0.001); FEF25-75 : 68.6 ± 27.6/74.9 ± 29.3 (P = 0.007).

HFCWO FVC

75.1 ± 15.3/80.3 ± 13.9 (P = 0.002); FEV1 : 71.4 ± 16/77.4 ± 14.6 (P = 0.001); PEF: 70.9 ± 18.0/78.3 ± 17.7 (P = 0.002); FEF25-75 : 70.5 ± 23.4/76.4 ± 25.6 (P = 0.006). There were no significant differences in % predicted FVC, FEV1 , PEF, and FEF25-75 increased values with CPR and HFCWO. HFCWO was found more comfortable (P = 0.04). Two PR methods were found efficient and no desaturation occurred during PR.

CONCLUSIONS

PFTs were significantly increased after both PR methods. There were no differences in PFTs and SpO2 between the CPR and HFCWO groups. Both PR methods were found efficient. HFCWO was found more comfortable. HFCWO may be an option in patients with chronic pulmonary disease and low adherence to PR.

Effect of esomeprazole versus placebo on pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis

Background

Gastro esophageal reflux (GER) is common in cystic fibrosis (CF) and may contribute to lung disease. Approximately 50% of patients with cystic fibrosis are being treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Methods

In a randomized controlled study in adults, we compared treatment with esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily versus placebo in patients with CF and frequent respiratory exacerbations over a thirty-six week treatment period to determine effect on time to first exacerbation and other health related outcomes.

Results

17 patients without symptoms of GER were randomized and 15 completed the study. 13 subjects underwent 24 hour ambulatory pH probe monitoring; 62% had pH probe evidence of GER. Forty one percent of subjects had a pulmonary exacerbation during the study. There was no significant difference in time to first pulmonary exacerbation (log rank test p = 0.3169). Five of nine subjects in the esomeprazole group compared with 2 of eight subjects in the placebo group experienced exacerbations (esomeprazole vs. placebo: odds ratio = 3.455, 95% CI = (0.337, 54.294), Fisher’s exact test: p = 0.334). There was no change in Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, Gastroesophageal Symptom Assessment Score or CF Quality of Life score between the two treatment groups.

Conclusions

There was a trend to earlier exacerbation and more frequent exacerbations in subjects randomized to esomeprazole compared with placebo. The effect of proton pump inhibitors on pulmonary exacerbations in CF warrants further investigation.

Clinical trials registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01983774

Gastroesophageal reflux in cystic fibrosis: current understandings of mechanisms and management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects both the lungs and the digestive system in children and adults. Thick mucus fills the gut and blocks lumens of the pancreas and hepatobiliary systems, creating insufficient pancreas function and liver disease. Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) complications, including intestinal obstruction, occur in neonates, and poor digestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children. Although GI symptoms tend to improve with age, CF and associated GERD eventually create respiratory insufficiency; the only available treatment option at this stage is a bilateral lung transplant, which carries considerable morbidity and mortality. While GERD may reoccur as a complication of lung transplantation, GERD symptoms are often reduced following a fundoplication.