Risk of hemoptysis in cystic fibrosis clinical trials: A retrospective cohort study

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by airway infection and inflammation resulting in respiratory complications including hemoptysis. The objectives of this study were to characterize the risk of hemoptysis attributable to underlying disease and in the presence of standard of care therapy. Methods This retrospective cohort study estimated hemoptysis rates overall and by relevant risk factors utilizing adverse event data from longitudinal prospective CF clinical trials. Results Of the 1008 participants, 73% were ≤18years old; of 929 with available spirometry, 27% had an FEV1<70% predicted. During the average 8.2months of follow-up, 8% experienced ≥1 hemoptysis events (95% CI: 6%, 10%). Of the 125 events, 76% were mild in severity and only 9% were serious. Hemoptysis rates were greater among adults than children, those with FEV1<70% predicted, and participants infected with P. aeruginosa but not with S. aureus. Conclusions Hemoptysis is a common adverse event among CF clinical trial participants, and particularly in adults with more severe lung disease. These results can be used to predict event occurrence in future clinical trials.