RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Indicators of pulmonary exacerbation in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 368 VO 38 IS Suppl 55 A1 Fiona McCourt A1 Brenda O'Neill A1 Ian Logan A1 Janice Abbott A1 Evie McCrum-Gardner A1 Stephanie McKeown A1 Judy Bradley A1 Stuart Elborn YR 2011 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/368.abstract AB Background: Exacerbations negatively impact adults with CF. No agreed definition of an exacerbation exists.Aim: To establish agreement on indicators of an exacerbation in adults with CF.Methods: 2 parallel Delphi web surveys in 13 UK and Ireland CF centres. Delphi 1: 31 adults with CF (FEV1 <80%) with at least one exacerbation in the previous 12 months. Delphi 2: 38 CF clinicians involved in diagnosing CF exacerbations. Round 1: A list of potential indicators of exacerbations were extracted from the literature, consultation with clinicians and adults with CF and 48 statements developed. Round 2: Participants rated their level of agreement with each statement. Round 3: Currently active. Statements not reaching consensus in Round 2 were presented to participants to re-rate. Consensus of 75% agreement was applied to all statements.Results: Round 2, Adults with CF: 21 statements reached consensus. The top 3 were: “More shortness of breath than usual”, “Feeling the need to do more airway clearance than usual”, “A large decrease in lung function”. Round 2, CF clinicians: 23 statements reached consensus. The top 3 were: “Increased sputum”, “A large decrease in lung function (>10% FEV1)”, “Increased coughing”. Of statements reaching consensus 16 were common in both groups.Conclusions: This study ascertained important indicators of exacerbation from patients and clinicians. Reflection on the results of both Delphi studies will allow comparisons to be drawn on the perspective of CF adults versus CF clinicians to identify the areas where there are differences and also the areas where there are strong agreement.