BACKGROUND

The effects of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) on respiratory outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) were demonstrated by several clinical trials, mainly based on simple spirometry. However, gains in lung function may vary greatly between patients, and predictors of FEV change after treatment have yet to be defined.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Which ventilatory parameters are involved in the heterogeneity of FEV change after 12-month ETI treatment in people with CF and advanced lung disease?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study at two major CF centers in Italy. We enrolled 47 adults with CF and advanced lung disease (FEV < 40% or actively listed for lung transplant) who started ETI treatment between December 2019 and December 2021. At treatment initiation and after 12 months, patients underwent body plethysmography. Values were compared at the two time points. To assess the relationship between baseline plethysmography measurements and treatment-induced changes in FEV, we used the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r) and median quantile regressions.

RESULTS

After 12 months of ETI treatment, there was a significant increase in FEV % predicted from a median value of 36.0 (25th-75th percentile, 33-39) to 52 (25th-75th percentile, 43-61) (P < .001). Inspiratory capacity/total lung capacity (TLC) ratio also increased from 32.0 (25th-75th percentile, 28.6-36.9) to 36.3 (25th-75th percentile, 33.4-41.3) (P < .001). Specific airway resistance decreased from 263 (25th-75th percentile, 182-405) to 207 (25th-75th percentile, 120-258) (P < .001). Functional residual capacity/TLC ratio decreased from 68.2 (25th-75th percentile, 63.3-71.9) to 63.9 (25th-75th percentile, 58.8-67.1) (P < .001), and residual volume/TLC ratio decreased from 53.1 (25th-75th percentile, 48.3-59.4) to 45.6 (25th-75th percentile, 39.4-49.8) (P < .001). Changes in FEV % predicted negatively correlated with baseline functional residual capacity/TLC ratio (r = -0.38, P = .009) and residual volume/TLC ratio (r = -0.42, P = .004). After adjustment for age at treatment initiation and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator genotype, we estimated that for each 10-unit increase in baseline residual volume/TLC ratio, the expected median change in FEV decreased by 2.3 (95% CI, -5.8 to -0.8).

INTERPRETATION

ETI was associated with improvements in both static and dynamic volumes in people with CF and advanced lung disease. Heterogeneity in FEV % predicted change after 12 months of treatment may be predicted by the severity of hyperinflation at baseline.