Exploring the value of annual chest x-rays in patients with CF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
EXPLORING THE VALUE OF ANNUAL CHEST RADIOGRAPH IMAGING IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM A SINGLE UK CENTRE
IRAS ID
271927
Contact name
Michael D Waller
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
It is the standard of care at King’s College Hospital’s Adult Cystic Fibrosis Unit to perform an annual chest x-ray (CXR) on all its cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, as outlined in the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (U.K.) standards for clinical care document and European CF Society best practice guidelines (2018). Whilst early intervention may prevent progression of structural lung disease, the value of this annual tool has been questioned along with the unquestionable cumulative lifetime radiation exposure and infection control risk to patients, and wider economic value.
In general, the rate of structural lung damage in CF adult’s progresses slowly, and the sensitivity of subtle, progressive changes being seen on a CXR is low. The study will retrospectively review serial chest x-rays performed at CF patient's annual review, over at least 10 years, and apply a validated 'score' to each radiograph. The longitudinal change in scores will be reviewed, and correlated with clinical and physiological measures of disease progression.
The aims of the study are to: 1.To assess the sensitivity of annual plain chest radiography in evaluating the rate of disease progression in adult patients with CF; 2.To explore the relationship between serial radiographic changes and spirometry (FEV1), pulmonary exacerbation frequency, and body mass index (BMI).
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1885
Date of REC Opinion
26 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion