Implementation of European standards of care for cystic fibrosis — Control and treatment of infection

Abstract

Background Several guidelines on infection control and treatment of infection exist for cystic fibrosis (CF) caregivers, although the extent of implementation is variable. Methods Adherence to European Consensus Guidelines for CF was studied by sending surveys to named healthcare professionals in 487 European CF centres/units. Qualitative data analysis was performed. Results A total of 177/547 (32%) surveys were returned. Infection control policies were implemented by most (77%) respondents. Separation of patients with Burkholderia cepacia was more common in adults (95%) than children (9%), and was implemented by 53% of respondents for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nebulised colistin plus oral ciprofloxacin was the most common (43%) therapy for P. aeruginosa infection. First infections of P. aeruginosa were usually treated with inhaled tobramycin; 41% of repondents did not intervene until lung function deteriorated. Most exacerbations were treated for less than the recommended period. Conclusions European Consensus Guidelines are widely adhered to. Areas for improvement include: initiating therapy for exacerbations early, separating infected patients and optimising duration of antibiotic therapy.