Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
randomised study
Participants
adult CF patients from the Brisbane region. To date, 12 patients aged 18-29 years have had 13 admissions. 5 patients were randomised to home therapy and returned home after 2-4 days in hospital.
Interventions
home versus hospital IV therapy. Initial treatment was with ceftazidime 2g bd and tobramycin 4-6mg/kg in a single daily dose
Outcome measures
Home visits were conducted by the researcher. All patients were monitored by lung function, 12-minute walk, renal function, aminoglycoside levels and weight. A quality of life questionnaire was administered on admission and after cessation of treatment. In addition, patients were asked which treatment option they preferred.
Main results
All patients improved with treatment, 2 required a change in antibiotics after failure to respond initially. No patient on home treatment required hospital readmission. No adverse events or signs of antibiotic toxicity were noted. 9 out of 12 patients preferred home therapy. Lung function (expressed as percent change of mean predicted FEV1), improved by (mean_SD). 1.76_4.27% in the home group and 4.74_8.85% in the hospital group. 12-minute walk distances improved by 4.2_8.6% at home and 19.0_22.1% in hospital. Weight in the home group increased by 0.69_0.98kg compared to 0.54_1.16kg in hospital. Quality of life after treatment at home improved by 21.1_22.2 points, and 28.38_12.29 after hospital treatment. There were no significant differences demonstrated between home and hospital therapy (unpaired t-test), however small sample size may contribute to type II error in these results. Patient recruitment continues