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Pulmonary function, inflammation, exercise capacity and quality of life in cystic fibrosis

¹ Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Belfast City Hospital and ² University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Northern Ireland

CORRESPONDENCE: S. Elborn, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Rd, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. Fax: 44 1232263546

Keywords: cystic fibrosis, exercise capacity, inflammation, pulmonary function, quality of life

Received: February 7, 2000
Accepted September 13, 2000

The aim of the study was to determine the extent to which treatment induced changes in exercise capacity and quality of life (QoL) are related to spirometric measures of lung function and other measures of disease impairment.

Twenty patients admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of pulmonary disease were recruited. Measures of disease impairment, disability and QoL were obtained at the beginning and end of an intravenous course of antibiotic therapy.

Intravenous antibiotic treatment resulted in a significant improvement in all measures of disease impairment, disability and handicap. The only significant predictor of treatment induced change in exercise capacity was C-reactive protein (CRP) and this explained 28% of the variance in change in exercise capacity. In the case of QoL, two predictors (change in exercise capacity and sputum output) contributed significantly to the change in QoL and collectively explained 54% of the variance in QoL.

Lung function provides a limited index of treatment outcome. Exercise capacity and quality of life assessment have the potential to make a significant contribution to the decision making process regarding treatment choices in cystic fibrosis and should be measured directly if a comprehensive evaluation of the effect of treatment is required.