The Effects of the Addition of a New Airway Clearance Device to Chest Physiotherapy in Children with Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Exacerbations

BACKGROUND: Chest physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing cystic fibrosis, especially during pulmonary exacerbations. This study evaluated the effects of adding a new airway clearance device to chest physiotherapy in subjects with cystic fibrosis hospitalised due to pulmonary exacerbations. METHODS: This prospective open-label study was carried out at the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centre in Poland between October 2017 and August 2018. Cystic fibrosis patients aged 10 to 18 years who were admitted to the hospital and required intravenous antibiotic therapy due to pulmonary exacerbations were consecutively allocated (1:1) to either chest physiotherapy alone or chest physiotherapy with a new airway clearance device (Simeox; PhysioAssist). Patients performed spirometry and multiple-breath nitrogen washout for lung clearance index assessment upon admission and prior to discharge. RESULTS: Forty-eight cystic fibrosis patients were included (24 in each group). Spirometry parameters in both groups improved significantly after intravenous antibiotic therapy. A significant improvement in the maximum expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity was observed only in the group with a new airway clearance device (p < 0.01 vs. baseline). Trends towards a lower lung clearance index ratio were similar in both groups. No adverse events were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Spirometry parameters increased significantly in cystic fibrosis patients treated for pulmonary exacerbations with intravenous antibiotic therapy and intensive chest physiotherapy. The new airway clearance device was safe and well tolerated when added to chest physiotherapy and may be another option for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis.