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ASSOCIATION OF RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS WITH PULMONARY DETERIORATION IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

A 2 year prospective study examined the effect of respiratory viral infections on pulmonary function in 49 CF patients (mean age 15.4 yr). 19 non-CF siblings (mean age 15.3 yr) served as controls. Subjects were assessed quarterly and at the time of any respiratory illness. Each assessment included nasal washes for viral isolation and blood for respiratory virus serology. Pulmonary function tests were performed at least twice per year. Illnesses were noted significantly more often in CF patients (5.63/yr) vs siblings (2.7/yr) although the frequency of proven viral infections (1.67/yr) was identical. In the CF patients a strong correlation was observed between the number of viral infections over the study period and the % decline in FVC(r=0.84, p<0.0001), % decline in FEV 1 (r=0.84, p<0.0001) and the total duration of hospitalizations (r=0.83, p<0.0001). In summary the frequency of viral respiratory infections was closely associated with pulmonary deterioration in a group of 49 CF patients. Studies examining antiviral interventions in this population are warranted.