ePS06.5 Burkholderia cepacia complex acquisition: A threat in all CF patients?

Introduction Acquisition of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) bacteria is considered to be associated with worsening of CF lung disease. Moreover, because of its resistance to antibiotics, Bcc is considered a threat in CF. Method Data from the Belgian CF Registry (year 2000–2010) were obtained. Inclusion: Bcc-infected patients with entries on lung function, BMI and days of IV treatment in at least 3 y after Bcc acquisition. For each case, we included 2 controls, matched for age at index year (year of first Bcc infection), pancreatic status, sex. FEV 1 , days of IV antibiotics and hospitalization were used as surrogates for disease burden. Cumulative data up to 2 y before index year were compared to values after infection using Rank sum test. Rate of decline in lung function was adjusted for baseline lung function, age, sex. Results Prevalence of Bcc in CF is low in Belgium ( B. multivorans. FEV1 at index year had lower tendency in the cases, however without significance. The number of days of IV treatment had higher tendency in the cases (p = ns). FEV1 decline after Bcc acquisition was comparable in cases and controls (–1.1%, SD = 0.5, vs –0.99%, SD = 0.4, p = 0.24). BMI slopes were also comparable between groups. Conclusion Our study suggests that Bcc infected patients are in no worse clinical condition and demonstrate no faster clinical deterioration compared to Bcc-uninfected patients. However, registry data are collected retrospectively and bear a risk of inaccuracy. Therefore, these results should be confirmed in a prospective, longitudinal study.