Considerations for the use of inhaled antibiotics for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in people with cystic fibrosis receiving CFTR modulator therapy

Abstract

The major cause of mortality in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) is progressive lung disease characterised by acute and chronic infections, the accumulation of mucus, airway inflammation, structural damage and pulmonary exacerbations. The prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa rises rapidly in the teenage years, and this organism is the most common cause of chronic lung infection in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is associated with an accelerated decline in lung function and premature death. New P. aeruginosa infections are treated with antibiotics to eradicate the organism, while chronic infections require long-term inhaled antibiotic therapy. The prevalence of P. aeruginosa infections has decreased in CF registries since the introduction of CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulators (CFTRm), but clinical observations suggest that chronic P. aeruginosa infections usually persist in patients receiving CFTRm. This indicates that pwCF may still need inhaled antibiotics in the CFTRm era to maintain long-term control of P. aeruginosa infections. Here, we provide an overview of the changing perceptions of P. aeruginosa infection management, including considerations on detection and treatment, the therapy burden associated with inhaled antibiotics and the potential effects of CFTRm on the lung microbiome. We conclude that updated guidance is required on the diagnosis and management of P. aeruginosa infection. In particular, we highlight a need for prospective studies to evaluate the consequences of stopping inhaled antibiotic therapy in pwCF who have chronic P. aeruginosa infection and are receiving CFTRm. This will help inform new guidelines on the use of antibiotics alongside CFTRm.

Keywords: Bacterial Infection; Bronchiectasis; Cystic Fibrosis; Respiratory Infection.

Figure 1

Prevalence of (A) respiratory microorganisms by age cohort in the USA in 2021 and (B) P. aeruginosa by age cohort in Europe. Reproduced with permission: (A) Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry. 2021 Annual Data Report. Bethesda, Maryland copyright 2022 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and (B) ECFSPR Annual Report 2021, Zolin A, Orenti A, Jung A, van Rens J, et al, 2023. Availability of pathogen surveillance data may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and 2021. B. cepacia complex, Burkholderia cepacia complex; H. influenzae, Haemophilus influenzae; MRSA, methicillin-resistant S. aureus; P. aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; pwCF, people with cystic fibrosis; S. aureus, Staphylococcus aureus; S. maltophilia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Figure 2

Medication prescriptions in (A) eligible pwCF from 1999 to 2021 in the USA; (B) adult pwCF from 2011 to 2021 in Europe and (C) children with CF from 2011 to 2021 in Europe. Reproduced with permission: (A) Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry. 2021 Annual Data Report. Bethesda, Maryland copyright 2022 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and (B) and (C) ECFSPR Annual Report 2021, Zolin A, Orenti A, Jung A, van Rens J, et al, 2023. CF, cystic fibrosis; CFTR, CF transmembrane conductance regulator; pwCF, people with CF; rhDNase, recombinant human deoxyribonuclease.