Impact of Influenza A/H1N1v Infection in CF Compared to Other Risk Groups

CF is the most common genetic lethal disorder in Caucasian population.Chronic colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) show more rapidly decline in pulmonary function and a decrease in survival.The aim of the study was to compare the pulmonary function and clinical characteristics of CF patients with and without chronic colonization with (Bcc).Methods: In an observational cross-sectional study, we collected data from CF patients chronically infected with Bcc (more than 50% of sputum cultures positive) and without Bcc (never positive), matched for age and pancreatic sufficiency in a 1:4 fashion, that were evaluated through sputum culture at least four times at the Respiratory Center from December 2008 to December 2009.We considered: current age, age at diagnosis, genetics, PA colonization, pulmonary function, nutritional status and respiratory exacerbations (needs of intravenous antibiotics).Results: We included 7 patients (8.15±3.8)years chronically infected with Bcc, and 28 control patients (8.12±3.5)years (NS).Median Age at diagnosis were 0.16 (0.08 to 4) and 0.27 (0.11 to 12.24) (NS); p.F508del homozygous were 85% and 68% (NS); PA colonization were 28% and 32% (NS); median Zscore BMI were -0.37 (-0.51 to 0.09) and -0.18 (-0.69 to 0.36) (NS), for Bcc and non Bcc groups respectively.FEV 1 was 51±18.8 and 88±27.6 (p < 0.05) and number of respiratory exacerbations were 2±0.81 and 0.5±0.32 (p < 0.05) for Bcc and non Bcc groups respectively.Conclusion: Chronic infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex determined a lower pulmonary function and more respiratory exacerbations in CF patients.