Effect of aerosolized rhDNase (Pulmozyme(R)) on pulmonary colonization in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Frederiksen, Birgitte 1; Pressler, Tacjana 1; Hansen, Annelise 1; Koch, Christian 1; Hiby, Niels 2[phi]
[Article] Acta Paediatrica. 95(9):1070-1074, September 2006.

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Background: Aerosolized recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase I (Pulmozyme(R))) has previously been shown to increase pulmonary function and reduce exacerbations of respiratory symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with moderate to severe reduction in pulmonary function.

Aim: To analyse whether aerosolized Pulmozyme(R) could reduce the number of bacterial infections in the lower respiratory airways of CF patients without chronic pulmonary infection.

Methods: Patients were randomized either to aerosolized Pulmozyme(R) 21/2 mg once daily or to no rhDNase treatment. The study period was 1 y, and the study was blinded for the Department of Clinical Microbiology.

Results: Overall, the number of positive cultures was significantly higher in the untreated group (82%) compared with the treated group (72%) (p<0.05). The most striking difference was found for Staphylococcus aureus, with a prevalence of 30% in the untreated group compared with 16% in the treated group ([chi]2 test, p<0.0001). Pulmonary function (FEV1) in the treated group showed a significant increase of 7.3% compared to 0.9% in the untreated group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Long-term DNase treatment was beneficial to CF patients without chronic lower respiratory tract infection, leading to reduced demand for antibiotics and to improved lung function.

(C) 2006 Taylor & Francis Health Sciences