Ibuprofen associated with slower lung function decline in children with cysti...(t in those not taking the drug. Ther...),Health

There is still some concern about the safety of ibuprofen, Dr. Konstan noted. Although we found only a small increase in gastrointestinal bleeding due to ibuprofen, we continue to search for even safer approaches to anti-inflammatory treatment for CF. In the meantime, we think that CF patients, especially children and adolescents with early lung disease, should be treated with ibuprofen.

While the earlier trial was conducted under tightly controlled conditions to ensure that patients strictly adhered to their medication regimens, the new study looked at real-world use of ibuprofen. In a clinical trial, things are done very carefully, and we dont know if the findings hold true in clinical practice, explained Dr. Konstan. The new studywhich used data from 1996 to 2002 on patients from ages 6 to 17 who were part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registryconfirms that ibuprofen therapy works in the real world.

The new study included data on 1,365 patients who took ibuprofen and 8,960 who did not, who were of similar age and disease severity. Each dose of ibuprofen ranged from 20 to 30 milligrams per kilogram of the patients weight. Some patients took up to 1,600 milligrams of ibuprofen per dose. (Generally, over-the-counter preparations of ibuprofen advise a maximum daily dose of 1,200 mg for adults and children over the age of 12.)

While the research does not address whether CF patients who take ibuprofen live longer, Dr. Konstan said it is likely the case. The lung function of these patients declines over time, and rate of decline is associated with survival, he said. Although we dont have evidence to prove it, we would like to think that this slowing of lung function decline due to ibuprofen therapy translates into increased years of survival for patients with CF.

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