Prospective evaluation of vascular changes in acute respiratory infections in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Background/aim: Acute exacerbations and chronic inflammation are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in cystic fibrosis(CF) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute exacerbation therapy on arterial stiffness in children with CF.Materials and methods: Augmentation index (Aix) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured before and after treatment and1 month after the end of treatment in patients with acute exacerbation. The relationship between hemodynamic measurements andc-reactive protein (CRP) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) was investigated.Results: Measurements before and after treatment were evaluated in 27 patients and were repeated in 21 patients who were clinicallystable 1 month following acute exacerbation. There was a significant decrease in CRP and an increase in spirometry parameters aftertreatment. While no significant difference was found between PWV (P = 0.33), a significant difference for Aix before (41.95 ± 12.96%)and after (30.95 ± 11.47%) treatment and before treatment and stable clinical condition (34.19 ± 14.36%) was obtained (P =0.00, andP =0.01, respectively). No significant difference in heart rate and other hemodynamic measurements was found. Pretreatment Aix isassociated with poor clinical condition (PFTs, BMI, and clinical score) and systemic inflammation (CRP) (P