Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
randomised controlled open trial
Participants
patients with cystic fibrosis who were chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The two groups of 10 patients were similar in terms of age, sex, and pulmonary function at entry to the trial.
Interventions
azlocillin and gentamicin versus carbenicillin and gentamiciN
Outcome measures
The clinical response was assessed by measurements of pulmonary function and the patients' feelings of wellbeing scored on a visual analogue scale. The sputum penetration of the antibiotics used was also studied.
Main results
Both regimens produced significant improvement in pulmonary function over 10 days. The mean FEVsub 1 in the azlocillin group increased from 1206 to 1760 ml (p < 0.001). In the carbenicillin group the mean FEVsub 1 increased from 1116 to 1619 ml (p < 0.001). Significant improvements in peak expiratory flow rate rate, forced vital capacity, and score on the visual analogue scale were alo seen but there was no significant difference between the antibiotic regimens. Despite high serum concentration the sputum penetration of the antibiotics was poor.