[Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF): clinical significance, diagnosis and therapy].

Intermittent or long term treatment with antibiotics, progredient destruction of the lungs as well as dystrophy of individuals are predisposing factors for the colonization of the respiratory tract with Aspergillus fumigatus in CF patients. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a significant problem in CF patients. It has been reported with an incidence of 10%. The diagnosis of ABPA in patients with CF is difficult since it is common for both diseases to have several of the same clinical and laboratory features. Prednisolone with an initial dose of between 0,5-1,0 mg/kg/day remains the treatment of choice for ABPA. The doses reduction and the duration of the treatment depend on clinical findings and on serum IgE levels.