Abstract
The aim: to assess the clinical effect of HFCWO (Vest System) during acute pulmonary exacerbation in adult CF patients.
Materials and methods.31 CF patients admitted for acute pulmonary exacerbation were randomly allocated to receive HFCWO (Vest Hill-RomServices, USA) or conventional physiotherapy (CPT). 15 adult CF patients were in the study group, 16 patients in the comparison group. Clinical, anthropometric, microbiological and functional characteristics in the HFCC group were comparable with CPT group. C-reactive protein (CRP), respiratory function (FVC, FEV1, PEF), SpO2, height and weight, exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test) and dyspnoe (MRC scale) were measured. Courses duration were 12-14 days. HFCWO was performed for 15 min. twice a day with 9-12 Hz frequency and amplitude 6-9 bar. CPT was airway clearance technique used by the patient routinely: Active Cycle of Breathing Technique, Flutter, or PEP.
Results. Significant improvement was seen in both groups. CRP decreased: -15,4±7,3 mg/l vs -11,0±6,9 mg/l, p=0,10, BMI increase in group1: 0,29±0,25 kg/m2, did not differ (p=0,74) from group 2 – 0,32±0,28 kg/m2. The dyspnoe scale changes and 6-minute walk test changes were equal in the two groups, SpO2 changes were: 3,0±1,0 % vs 3,2±1,2 %, p=0,88.
Significant difference could be seen in FEV1changes: 10,0±4,6 % vs 6,9±3,6 % (p= 0,04) and FVC: 9,5±4,8 % vs 5,9±3,8 % (p=0,03) for the study group and comparison group respectively. HFCWO showed no side-effects.
Conclusion. The study shows that the addition of HFCWO to medical treatment decreases airway obstruction and can benefit CF adults during acute respiratory exacerbation.
- © 2013 ERS
