Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening inherited disease affecting approximately 30,000 Americans. Although the condition involves all mucus-producing organs, lung disease accounts for most CF-related illness. Most adult CF patients have lung changes consistent with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

In CF airways, metabolic abnormalities result in production of large quantities of abnormally thick, sticky mucus. Shortly after birth, airways become inflamed and obstructed with secretions. Retained secretions often contain infection-causing bacteria and tissue-destroying inflammatory by-products.

To minimize the risk for recurrent infection, bacterial colonization and progressive lung disease, lifelong daily airway clearance therapy (ACT) is a medically necessary standard of care therapy for ALL CF patients. Significant airway inflammation is typically present in infants and young children with CF who have minimal or no evidence of lung disease. The benefits of ACT are greatly diminished if treatment is deferred until the development of significant lung disease.

High-frequency chest compression (HFCC) is recognized as standard of care ACT for CF and other lung disorders characterized by impaired mucus clearance. Its status is based upon an abundance of peer-reviewed and other published clinical research - including papers and abstracts presented at major medical conferences - and more than two decades of clinical experience.

Since its introduction in 1988, HFCC has been associated with markedly improved clinical outcomes including stabilization or improvement in pulmonary function, better general health and extended survival.

Currently, HFCC ranks as the "first choice" ACT among CF physicians and their patients.
  • More than 70% of American CF patients use HFCC
  • Over 95% of the 115 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) - accredited centers prescribe HFCC for their patients
  • HFCC meets all the criteria for airway clearance therapy outlined by the American   Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

See University of Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center - Outcomes Statistics and Research.

To view all clinical HFCC studies…
See also…

    Articles

  • Braverman J, Nozzarella M. High-frequency chest compression: Advanced therapy for obstructive lung disease. Respir Therp 2007; 2 (2): 48-51. [Link]
  • Braverman J, Miller H. High-frequency chest compression: a practical therapy for patients with bronchiectasis. Respir Therp 2008; 3 (1): 22-26. [Link]

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