{Reference Type}: Observational Study
{Title}: Should atelectasis be considered a pulmonary complication and indicator of poor prognosis in cystic fibrosis?
{Author}: Martínez Redondo M;Carpio Segura C;Zamarrón De Lucas E;Álvarez-Sala Walther R;Prados Sánchez C;
{Journal}: J Int Med Res
{Volume}: 52
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: 2024 Mar
{Factor}: 1.573
{DOI}: 10.1177/03000605241233520
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study examined whether bronchoscopy leads to clinicoradiological improvement in cystic fibrosis (CF) and the predictive factors. The study also investigated whether pulmonary atelectasis is a poor prognostic factor in CF.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This multicenter, case-control, observational, retrospective study included two groups of patients with CF: a case group (patients with persistent atelectasis who were followed-up at least for 2 years) and a control group (patients without atelectasis matched 1:1 by sex and age [±3 years]). We recorded demographic data, lung function test results, pulmonary complications, comorbidities, treatments (including bronchoscopies, surgery and transplantation), and deaths.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Each group included 55 patients (case group: 20 men, mean age 25.4 ± 10.4 years; control group: 20 men, mean age 26.1 ± 11.4 years). Bronchoscopy did not lead to clinicoradiological improvement. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) was more frequent in the case group. Patients in the case group more frequently used inhaled steroids, their pre-atelectasis lung function was statistically worse, and they had more exacerbations during follow-up.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Moderate-to-severe pulmonary disease and ABPA can favor atelectasis. Pulmonary atelectasis can be a poor prognostic factor in CF because it increases exacerbations. Despite our results, we recommend enhancing treatment, including bronchoscopy, to prevent persistent atelectasis.