VENTILATORY FUNCTION IN INFANTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS - PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF INHALATION THERAPY

Respiratory function studies were carried out in 18 infants with cystic fibrosis who were less than 9 months of age when first seen. In 9 infants who had no clinical evidence of chest infection when first seen, thoracic gas volume was increased in 3 and conductance reduced in 4. The other 9 infants had symptoms of chest infection when first studied, and they too showed an increased thoracic gas volume and reduced conductance. Treatment with intermittent inhalations administered with a nebulizer and face-mask resulted in return to normal of these abnormalities in respiratory function in all infants.