Cystic Fibrosis

Professor Margaret Hodson, Group Leader

 

In Paediatrics, we are researching anti-inflammatory therapy for CF lung disease. The CF WISE multicentre study of inhaled steroid withdrawal finishes in March 2005.  We are also researching the clinical care of children with CF.

In Adults we are researching evaluation of methods of physiotherapy, health status questionnaires and telemedicine.

We are also developing new IV and inhaled antibiotic regimens: improving treatment for CF diabetes, osteoporosis and testosterone deficiency and investigating neurological and cardiac problems.

The Cystic Fibrosis group is examining how best to use antibiotic treatment in patients with CF.  We are looking at different timings of the dose of anti-pseudomonal cephalosporin or penicillin and aminoglycoside and examining rotating inhaled antibiotics as opposed to giving them on alternate months.  When this is finished, we are going to look at the effect of using inhaled antibiotics and Azithromycin either on their own or combined.

In patients with CF, we are investigating sleep and sputum production and their relation to hypoxia, and the efficacy of treatment using oxygen therapy either with, or without, non-invasive ventilation.

Dr Khin Gyi is looking at improving the management of patients with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes mellitus, and looking at the effects of high sugar both in the blood and sputum at the time of an acute exacerbations.

Dr Sarah Elkin is looking at the efficacy of Risendronate compared to placebo in the treatment of CF related osteoporosis