Using colistimethate sodium in complex therapy of cystic fibrosis in children under 6 years of age

Abstract

Early and adequate antibacterial therapy of airway infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) may lead to decrease in chronic inflammation, delay the worsening of pulmonary function, and prevent the selection of resistant bacteria. Inhaled forms of antibiotics, which can help to achieve high concentrations of drug in airways and minimize systemic adverse reactions, are particularly important when treating children under 6 years of age. Purpose. To evaluate effectiveness of combined therapy and tolerability of therapy with inhaled colistimethate sodium when treating exacerbations of infectious process in children with cystic fibrosis under 6 years of age. Methods. A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with CF and infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa who were admitted to pulmonology department of Federal State Autonomous Institution “National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation from June of 2021 to March of 2023 and who were treated with inhaled colistimethate sodium. Results. 20 courses of therapy in 17 patients with cystic fibrosis under 6 years of age were recorded. Mean duration of treatment was 10.4 days (4 – 19 days). There were no adverse reactions that led to discontinuation of the treatment. Clinical and microbiological effectiveness of the combined therapy was 60%. Conclusion. Therapy of exacerbations of airway infections caused by P. aeruginosa with inhaled colistimethate sodium was well tolerated by patients under 6 years of age. No adverse drug reactions were reported.