Abstract
Introduction: Bronchial drainage is a key component of chest physiotherapy performed in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), to reduce recurrent pulmonary exacerbations and lung function decline. Evaluation of new airway clearance techniques (ACTs) is required to understand their physiological effects on respiratory function.
Aim: Aim of this study was to assess the effects of Simeox technology on resting lung hyperinflation in clinically stable CF patients.
Methods: Adult CF patients receiving prophylactic chest physiotherapy with Simeox device (Physio-Assist, France) assisted by respiratory physiotherapists were included consecutively in 2 centers. Patients performed under physiotherapist supervision 3 valid measurements (mean coefficient of variation <5%) of resting inspiratory capacity (IC) with a computerized stand-alone spirometer (Spirolab, MIR) before and 15-30 min after one single 20-min drainage session with Simeox. Change in IC was analyzed for each patient.
Results: 21 CF patients were included in the study: 10 males (26.7±6.3y) and 11 females (26.9±8.1y). After device session, change in mean IC was increased by 110±140 ml and 4±5% pred. (p<0.005). 11 patients had an increase of IC% pred ≥ 5% (220±90 ml; 9±4%). The change in IC was higher in patients with lower IC (negative correlation between relative % change in IC and baseline IC% pred., p<0.05).
Conclusions: Inspiratory capacity at rest was improved in CF patients after one single drainage session with Simeox technology suggesting a direct effect on lung hyperinflation reduction. This physiological mechanism may have significant impact on the evolution of lung function in CF, and should be confirmed with long-term data.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 1266.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020