A treatment evaluator tool to monitor the real-world effectiveness of inhaled aztreonam lysine in cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Studies are required that evaluate real-world outcomes of inhaled aztreonam lysine in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: Our treatment-evaluator tool assessed the effectiveness of inhaled aztreonam in routine practice in 117 CF patients across four time periods (6-12 (P2) and 0-6months (P1) pre-initiation, and 0-6 (T1) and 6-12months (T2) post-initiation). Outcomes were: changes in %-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV₁), body-mass index (BMI), hospitalisation days and intravenous antibiotic usage.

Results: Median FEV₁% predicted for each 6-month period was 38.9%, 34.6%, 37.1% and 36.5%; median change was -2.0% between P2 and P1, increasing to +0.6% (p<0.001) between P1 and T1. Annualised hospital bed-days was reduced (p=0.05) post-initiation, as was intravenous antibiotics days (p=0.001). BMI increased over 6months post-initiation (p≤0.001).

Conclusions: In patients with CF in routine practice, inhaled aztreonam lysine is associated with improved lung function and weight, and reduced hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotic use.

Keywords: Aztreonam; Cystic fibrosis; Evaluation tool; Forced expiratory volume; Intravenous antibiotics.