Authors | Brief description | Sample | QoL scale used | Authors' main conclusion | Authors' conclusion about QoL outcome |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ANTIBIOTICS | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Quittner et al. [14] Secondary analysis of Ramsey et al. [13] | Secondary analysis of RCT. Tobramycin versus placebo in 3 cycles | n = 520 (age >= 6 years) (n = 499 for QoL) mean age 21 years FEV1 25% to 75% | Non-validated 3-point scale (better/no change/worse) primary outcome | Tobramaycin improved lung function (not reported here) | Tobramycin associated with improved QoL |
Equi et al. [17] | Azithromycin (250 gm or 500 gm dependent on weight) vs placebo; crossover design | n = 41 (age 8–18 years) median FEV1 = 61% (range 33% to 80%) | QWB | Significant improvement in FEV1 compared with placebo, but not FVC or mid-expiratory flow | No difference in QoL |
Wolter et al. [18] | Azithromycin vs placebo; 2 parallel groups | n = 59 (age 18–44 years; mean 27.9 years) mean FEV1 = 56.5% | CRQ | Significant difference in FEV1 and FVC favouring azythromycin | Significant improvement in all domains of QoL |
Saiman et al. [19] | Azithromicyn vs placebo; 2 parallel groups | n = 185 (age >= 6 years) (n= 177 for QoL) mean age 20 years ≈ 60% had FEV1 > 60% | CFQ | Significant difference in FEV1, lower risk of exacerbation, higher weight, but more side effects in treatment group | Significant difference in physical functioning domain only |
HOME/HOSPITAL ANTIBIOTICS | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Wolter et al. [20] | Home versus hospital IVs antibiotics; 2 parallel groups | 17 adolescents and adults | CRQ primary outcome | No clinical compromise associated with home therapy | Home IVs fared worse for fatigue and mastery, but better for personal, family, sleeping, eating and total disruption |
STEROIDS | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Balfour-Lynn et al. [24] | Corticosteroids vs placebo; crossover | n = 22 (age 7–17 years; mean 10.3 years) mean FEV1= 64% (range 21% to 102%) | Ad hoc VAS scales | No significant benefit in any of the outcomes | No changes in well-being |