Implementation of European standards of care for cystic fibrosis - Control and treatment of infection

Background: Several guidelines oil infection control and treatment of infection exist for cystic fibrosis (CF) caregivers, although the extent of implementation is variable. Methods: Adherence to European Consensus Guidelines for CF was Studied by sending surveys to named healthcare professionals in 487 European CF centres/units. Qualitative data analysis was performed. Results: A total of 177/547 (32%) Surveys were returned. Infection control policies were implemented by most (77%) respondents. Separation of patients with Burkholderia cepacia was more common in adults (95%) than children (9%), and was implemented by 53% of respondents for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nebulised colistin Plus oral ciprofloxacin was the most common (43%) therapy for P. aeruginosa infection. First infections of P aeruginosa were usually treated with inhaled tobramycin; 41% of repondents did not intervene until lung function deteriorated. Most exacerbations were treated for less than the recommended period. Conclusions: European Consensus Guidelines are widely adhered to. Areas for improvement, include: initiating therapy for exacerbations early, separating infected patients and optimising duration of antibiotic therapy. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of European Cystic Fibrosis Society.