Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
international double blind, cross-over trial
Participants
63 subjects with CF
Interventions
either placebo or 500 mg oral clarithromycin twice daily for 5 months, with a 1-month wash-out.
Outcome measures
The primary efficacy end point was the change in lung function (FEV(1) and FVC) during the clarithromycin treatment period compared to placebo treatment. Secondary efficacy end points included quality of life, number of pulmonary exacerbations, height and weight, sputum inflammatory mediator content, sputum transportability and surface properties, bacterial flora, nasal potential difference, and breath condensate.
Main results
No significant difference in either the primary efficacy end point or any secondary end point was seen during the period of clarithromycin treatment compared to those seen during placebo administration.
Authors' conclusions
clarithromycin is not effective in treating CF lung disease.