Return of FEV₁ after pulmonary exacerbation in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Approximately one in four patients with CF failed to recover to baseline lung function after a pulmonary exacerbation despite treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Failure to recover to baseline was associated with the degree of decline in FEV(1) that had occurred prior to hospital admission, suggesting opportunities for earlier intervention to improve lung function outcomes. Additional studies are needed to determine how the failure to recover to baseline affects subsequent FEV(1) decline.