Common cystic fibrosis related pathologies, complications and principal elements of management in intensive care (for details see text)
| CF related pathology | Complication | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Lung disease | ||
| Bacterial colonisation of airways | Infective exacerbations | • Antibiotics |
| • Physiotherapy | ||
| • DNase | ||
| Multiresistant pathogens | • Antibiotics selected according to sensitivities | |
| Sputum plugging | • Endobronchial suction | |
| • Bronchoscopy | ||
| • DNase | ||
| Obstructive lung disease | Difficult ventilation | • Bronchodilators |
| Prolonged weaning | • Tracheostomy | |
| • NIV | ||
| Other | Haemoptysis | • Tranexamic acid |
| • Bronchial artery embolisation | ||
| Gastrointestinal disease | Pancreatic insufficiency | • Pancreatic enzymes |
| • Elemental feed | ||
| Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome | • Maintain good hydration | |
| • Lactulose | ||
| • N-acetyl cysteine | ||
| • Gastrografin enema | ||
| Liver disease | Coagulopathy | • Vitamin K |
| • Fresh frozen plasma | ||
| Thrombocytopenia | • Platelet transfusion | |
| Altered drug metabolism | • Careful drug prescribing practice | |
| Variceal haemorrhage | • Variceal banding | |
| Diabetes | Hyperglycaemia | • Intravenous insulin |
| Other | ||
| CF upper airway disease | Sinusitis | • Avoid nasal intubation |
| • Antibiotics |