Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
RCT cross-over design. Single centre UK study. Randomisation via sealed envelope.
Participants
10 participants (7 males, 3 females). Median (range) age: 14 (9 - 16) years. CF diagnosed via sweat chloride testing or genetic testing. Participants admitted to the Brompton Hospital with an acute exacerbation as defined by conventional criteria
Interventions
ABCT versus HFCWO. 2 supervised treatments of either ACBT or HFCWO on 2 successive dates for 20 min.
Outcome measures
FVC, FEV1 (measured immediately before, immediately after and 10 min after each treatment), wet sputum weight (measured over 24-hour period, during treatment and 15 minutes after treatment), participant preference (measured at the end of the study).
Main results
Sputum weight increased significantly with ACBT compared with HFCC during treatment (5.2 g vs. 1.1 g, P < 0.005, morning; 4.1 g vs. 0.7 g, P < 0.01, afternoon). Pulmonary function improved significantly after morning ACBT (forced vital capacity (FVC): 2.67 l to 2.76 l, P < 0.03; forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1): 1.59 l to 1.62 l, P < 0.03). Following afternoon ACBT, there was a significant increase in FVC (2.64 to 2.79, P < 0.02), but no significant change in FEV1. Pulmonary function did not change at any time following HFCC.
Authors' conclusions
Compared with ACBT, HFCC by Hayek Cuirass is not an effective airway clearance treatment modality for children with CF during an infective exacerbation.