Macrolides in cystic fibrosis

In this update of a Cochrane review, researchers assessed the potential effects of macrolide antibiotics on clinical status in terms of benefit and harm in people with cystic fibrosis. A total of 14 studies, involving 1,467 participants, were included. The studies ranged in duration from 28 days to 36 months, and all evaluated azithromycin. The researchers noted a slight improvement in respiratory function up to 6 months in patients treated with azithromycin compared with placebo. However, this improvement was probably not observable at 3 or 12 months. Azithromycin may also reduce the risk of pulmonary exacerbation. Side effects were frequent but similar in the different patient groups. The researchers noted no significant difference according to the dose of azithromycin used.