IV Antibiotics Less Effective for Sinusitis than Pneumonia in Cystic Fibrosis, Study Finds

A new study published in the journal Rhinology (September 2015) suggests that intravenous (IV) antibiotic administration to cystic fibrosis patients had less effect on sinonasal markers than pulmonary (lung) markers of inflammation.

The researchers collected nasal lavage and sputum before and after treatment in 16 cystic fibrosis patients who were receiving IV antibiotic treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and/or Staphylococcus aureus. They measured several markers of inflammation, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-8, IL-13 and Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and compared the groups. The total cell count dropped significantly in the lungs with IV antibiotic therapy, but not in the nose/sinuses. In addition, the inflammatory markers IL-8 and MPO dropped considerably more in the lungs than the nose/sinuses.

Cystic fibrosis is a debilitating genetic condition that causes poor clearance of thick mucus in the airways, causing frequent resistant infections. It can also affect the pancreas and cause diabetes mellitus and affect bowel function. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, there are approximately 30,000 people living with cystic fibrosis in the United States and about 1,000 new case are diagnosed every year.

Reference: Doht F, Hentschel J, Fischer N, Lehmann T, Markert UR, Boer K, Pfister W, Pletz MW, Guntinas-Lichius O, Mainz JG. Reduced effect of intravenous antibiotic treatment on sinonasal markers in pulmonary inflammation. Rhinology. 2015 Sep;53(3):249-59. 


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As a Fellowship-trained Rhinologist, Dr. Thomas Higgins has expertise in cystic fibrosis chronic sinusitis. Treating this condition requires multidisciplinary care as infections are frequent and are highly resistant. The medical care and considerations for surgical management of chronic sinusitis in the cystic fibrosis population are unique and must be carefully tailored to the individual.    

Thomas S. Higgins, Jr., MD, MSPH
www.higgins-sinus.com

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