Optimization-Based Stable Balancing Weights Versus Propensity Score Weighting for Samples With High Covariate Imbalance.

Purpose: To compare the performance (covariate balance, effective sample size [ESS]) of stable balancing weights (SBW) versus propensity score weighting (PSW). Two applied cases were used to compare performance: (Case 1) extreme imbalance in baseline covariates between groups and (Case 2) substantial discrepancy in sample size between groups.

Methods: Using the Premier Healthcare Database, we selected patients who (Case 1) underwent a surgical procedure with one of two different bipolar forceps between January 2000 and June 2020, or (Case 2) a neurological procedure using one of two different nonabsorbable surgical sutures between January 2000 and March 2020.

Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of Airway Clearance Methods Used for Cystic Fibrosis.

Introduction: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation guidelines recommend people with CF perform daily airway clearance. This can be difficult for patients, as some find it time consuming or uncomfortable. Data comparing airway clearance methods are limited.

Pharmacologic improvement of CFTR function rapidly decreases sputum pathogen density, but lung infections generally persist.

BackgroundLung infections are among the most consequential manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) and are associated with reduced lung function and shortened survival. Drugs called CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators improve activity of dysfunctional CFTR channels, which is the physiological defect causing CF. However, it is unclear how improved CFTR activity affects CF lung infections.

Impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on bacterial cultures from people with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have shown beneficial effects on both forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV ) and frequency of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). These positive outcomes may be related to changes in bacterial colonization within the lungs. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) is the first triple therapy CFTR modulator approved for use in people with CF 6 years and older.

Impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on vitamin D absorption in cystic fibrosis patients.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disorder that results in the buildup of mucus in various organs. Ninety percent of CF patients are classified as pancreatic insufficient, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins without the assistance of exogenous pancreatic enzymes. This study was designed to determine if serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were impacted by initiation of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA).

MRSA strains with distinct accessory genes predominate at different ages in cystic fibrosis.

Rationale: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is prevalent and consequential in cystic fibrosis (CF). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) could reveal genomic differences in MRSA associated with poorer outcomes or detect MRSA transmission.

Objectives: To identify MRSA genes associated with low lung function and potential MRSA transmission in CF.

Sustained Coinfections with and in Cystic Fibrosis.

: and often infect the airways in cystic fibrosis (CF). Because registry studies show higher prevalence of versus in older patients with CF, a common assumption is that replaces over time. , can outgrow and kill .

High Prevalence of Enterotoxin Gene Cluster Superantigens in Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Isolates.

Background: is a highly prevalent respiratory pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF). It is unclear how this organism establishes chronic infections in CF airways. We hypothesized that isolates from patients with CF would share common virulence properties that enable chronic infection.

Pathogen acquisition in patients with cystic fibrosis receiving ivacaftor or lumacaftor/ivacaftor.

Background: The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators ivacaftor and lumacaftor/ivacaftor improve the status of existing infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is unknown how well these drugs protect patients against incident infections. We hypothesized that CFTR modulator treatment would decrease new infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus.

Impact of a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator on high-dose ibuprofen therapy in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients.

Background: This study was undertaken to determine if a clinically relevant drug-drug interaction occurred between ibuprofen and lumacaftor/ivacaftor.

Methods: Peak ibuprofen plasma concentrations were measured prior to and after lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation. A Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used to compare the values.

Implementation of cystic fibrosis clinical pathways improved physician adherence to care guidelines.

Introduction: There is significant variability in clinical outcomes, including growth and lung function, between the various cystic fibrosis (CF) centers. No specific or unique therapeutic practices have been identified to account for these differences. However, more uniform care within centers was associated with better outcomes.

Development of an in vitro colonization model to investigate Staphylococcus aureus interactions with airway epithelia.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide range of diseases and is also a human commensal colonizing the upper respiratory tract. Strains belonging to the clonal complex group CC30 are associated with colonization, although the colonization state itself is not clearly defined. In this work, we developed a co-culture model with S.

Growth of preschool age children receiving daily inhaled corticosteroids.

Data on the effects of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) on linear growth in children <5 years old are limited with conflicting results from existing studies. This study was designed to investigate growth effects of inhaled corticosteroid use in children <5 years of age treated for asthma with ICS administered through a valved holding chamber (VHC). A retrospective cohort study was performed of 145 children in three treatment groups: (1) metered-dose inhaler (MDI) containing ultrafine beclomethasone dipropionate (n = 62), (2) MDI containing fluticasone propionate (n = 32), and (3) oral montelukast sodium (n = 51).

Tracheomalacia is associated with lower FEV1 and Pseudomonas acquisition in children with CF.

Background: Tracheomalacia (TM) occurs in approximately 1 in 2,100 children. Because the trachea develops abnormally in animal models of cystic fibrosis (CF), we hypothesized this may also occur in children with CF, increasing their risk of TM.

Purpose: To examine the prevalence and clinical consequences of TM in children with CF.