Continuous infusion antipseudomonal beta-lactams for acute infective exacerbations in cystic fibrosis: a prospective randomised controlled trial

This study is testing a different way of giving antibiotics to adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are having a lung infection flare-up caused by a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Normally these antibiotics are given as short infusions several times a day. This trial gives the same antibiotics as a continuous drip throughout the day to keep steady levels in the blood and lungs at all times. Researchers want to see if this continuous method clears the infection better and improves lung function. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years of age or older - You have cystic fibrosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been detected in your sputum in the past 12 months - You are having an acute lung infection flare, shown by at least 2 of these signs in the past 2 weeks: change in sputum colour or amount, more coughing, more shortness of breath, fatigue or feeling unwell, loss of appetite or weight, a drop in lung function of 10% or more, or new changes on chest X-ray You may NOT be eligible if: - You are under 18 years old - You do not meet the criteria for an acute lung flare - You have previously participated in this study - You have a pulmonary embolism, significant coughing of blood, collapsed lung, or respiratory failure - Your kidneys are not working well enough (creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min) - You are allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics - You cannot receive aminoglycoside antibiotics - You have received intravenous antibiotics in the 2 weeks before this admission - You have already received more than 24 hours of intravenous antibiotics in this admission - You have had a lung transplant - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You are unable to give consent Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.