The results of a clinical trial, published in late August in the Journal of Pediatrics, indicates that, when used as part of routine therapy, high-dose ibuprofen is safe, and effective in slowing down lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Headed by Dr. Larry Lands, Director of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine at Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre, the multi-centre study monitored 142 children aged six to 18 with mild lung disease over two years.
Children given high-dose ibuprofen twice a day showed a significant reduction in the rate of decline in lung function, and had fewer and shorter hospital stays.
"Slowing the rate of the decline of lung function will result in enhanced longevity and quality of life for patients with CF," said Dr. Larry Lands.
"Many treatments for cystic fibrosis can be a financial hardship for families," said Cathleen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer at the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "News that ibuprofen -- a relatively inexpensive treatment compared to other therapies for CF -- is effective, is very exciting."
"We are delighted to share this great news. The findings of this study show that through research and innovation, a simple inexpensive treatment can have a profound impact on the lives of children affected by CF and their families," said Dr. Peter Liu, Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health.
The study was funded by the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Cystic fibrosis, which affects the lungs and the digestive system, is the most common, fatal, genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. In the digestive tract, CF blocks the absorption of adequate nutrients from food. In the lungs, the effects of the disease are most devastating; and with time, respiratory problems become increasingly severe. Ultimately, most CF deaths are due to lung disease.
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