BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For patients with cystic fibrosis, chest physiotherapy is crucial for evacuating airway secretions. Because chest physiotherapy increases energy expenditure, fatigue and dyspnoea, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) could be beneficial for severely ill patients during airway clearance. The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the effects between NIV and positive expiratory pressure (PEP) on airway clearance. METHODS: Prospective, randomized trial compares PEP to NIV. Thirty-two subjects, mean age 31 years, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second 47% (+/- 14) and mean forced vital capacity 69% (+/- 13), completed a 3-month randomized trial comparing NIV with standard PEP treatment as airway clearance technique. Lung functions testing, 6-minute walk test, blood gases, sputum culture and inflammatory parameters were measured before and after the treatment period. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in lung clearance index (LCI) following NIV compared with PEP (p = 0.01). LCI is performed within the lung function testing. DISCUSSION: Non-invasive ventilation was shown to be a good alternative to PEP in chest physiotherapy for patients with cystic fibrosis who are severely ill.

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