Opioid prescriptions and patients' health services utilization and cost before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory population-based administrative data analysis.

The objective was to explore percentages of the population treated with prescribed opioids and costs of opioid-related hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits among individuals treated with prescription opioids and costs of all opioid-related hospitalizations and ED visits in the province (i.e., provincial costs) before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Alberta, Canada. In administrative data, we identified individuals treated with prescription opioids and opioid-related hospitalizations and ED visits among those individuals and among all individuals in the province between 2015/16 and 2021/22 fiscal years. Services used were counted on an item-by-item basis and costed using case-mix approaches. Annually, from 9.98% (2020/21-2021/22) to 14.52% (2017/18) of the provincial population was treated with prescription opioids. Between 2015/16 and 2021/22, annual costs of opioid-related hospitalizations and ED visits among individuals treated with prescription opioids were ∼$5 and ∼$2 million, respectively. In 2020/21-2021/22, the provincial costs of opioid-related hospitalizations (∼$14 million) and ED visits (∼$7.0 million) were almost twice the costs observed in 2015/16 and immediately before the pandemic (2019/20). Our findings suggest that increases in the opioid-related utilization of inpatient and ED services between 2015/16 and 2021/22, including the drastic increases observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, were likely driven by unregulated substances.

Face validity of the ICD-10 criteria of substance abuse and dependence for patients prescribed cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain-A survey of pain medicine physicians in Canada, Germany and Israel.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A major concern with cannabis-based medicines (CbM) and medical cannabis (MC) is the risk of abuse and dependence. The face validity of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria for cannabis dependence in patients prescribed CbM for chronic pain has not been assessed. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: Physicians from Canada, Germany and Israel were recruited via the mailing lists of national pain societies. To be eligible, physicians had to have prescribed CbM for chronic pain treatment in the past 12 months. Participants were asked to rate the appropriateness of items adapted from the substance use module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Version 3.0 to assess dependence in the context of chronic pain treatment with CbM and the appropriateness of two additional items. In case of disagreement, participants were asked to give reasons. Furthermore, they were asked to suggest potential additional criteria. RESULTS: On average 69.0% of 178 participating physicians indicated agreement with the appropriateness of the ICD-10 criteria, while 20.6% indicated disagreement. The highest disagreement rate was observed for the item on repeated use despite legal problems (35.4% disagreement or strong disagreement). Reasons for disagreement were summarized into six content categories using qualitative methods of analysis. Additional criteria suggested by participants were summarized into 10 content categories. CONCLUSIONS: A collaboration of psychiatrists and pain physicians is required to define criteria and develop instruments to capture abuse and dependence of CbM in chronic pain patients. SIGNIFICANCE: Sixty-nine per cent of 178 pain medicine physicians in Canada, Germany and Israel who participated in a survey on the appropriateness of the ICD-10 criteria for cannabis abuse and dependence for patients prescribed cannabis-derived products for chronic pain assessed the criteria as appropriate, whereas 20.6% deemed the criteria as not appropriate.

Economic burden of chronic pain in Alberta, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Although chronic pain (CP) is common, little is known about its economic burden in Alberta, Canada. AIMS: To estimate incremental (as compared to the general population or people without CP) societal (healthcare and lost productivity) costs of CP in Alberta. METHODS: We applied the prevalence estimated from the Canadian Community Health Survey data to the population retrieved from the Statistics Canada to estimate the number of people with CP in Alberta in 2019. We analyzed the Alberta Health administrative databases to estimate the healthcare costs of person with CP. Finally, we multiplied the number of people with the cost per person. RESULTS: The prevalence of any CP was 20.1% and of activity-preventing CP was 14.5% among people aged > = 12 years. Incremental cost per person with CP per year was CA$2,217 for healthcare services (among people aged > = 12 years) and CA$8,412 for productivity losses (among people aged 18-64 years). Of the healthcare cost, prescription drugs accounted for the largest share (32.8%), followed by inpatient services (31.0%), outpatient services (13.1%), physician services (9.8%), other services (7.4%), and diagnostic imaging (5.8%). Provincially, total incremental cost of CP ranges from CA$1.2 to 1.7 billion for healthcare services (6% to 8% of total provincial health expenditure); and CA$3.4 to 4.7 billion for productivity losses. Considering costs for long-term care services, the total societal cost of CP in Alberta was CA$6.3 to 8.3 billion per year, reflecting 2.0% to 2.7% of Alberta's GDP. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions improving CP prevention and management to reduce this substantial economic burden are urgently needed.

Frequency and characteristics of patient exclusion criteria in Canadian multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for patients with complex chronic pain (CP). Many multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities (MTPFs) use patient exclusion criteria but little is known about their characteristics. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency and characteristics of exclusion criteria in public Canadian MTPFs. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in which we defined an MPTF as a clinic staffed with professionals from three disciplines or more (including at least one medical specialty) and whose services were integrated within the facility. We disseminated a web-based questionnaire in 2017-2018 to the administrative leads of MPTFs across the country. They were invited to complete the questionnaire about the characteristics of their facilities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation measures. RESULTS: A total of 87 MTPFs were included in the analyses. Half of them (52%) reported using three exclusion criteria or more. There was no significant association between the number of exclusion criteria and wait time for a first appointment or number of new consultations in the past year. Fibromyalgia and migraine were the most frequently excluded pain syndromes (10% and 7% of MPTFs, respectively). More than one MPTF out of four excluded patients with mental health disorders (30%) and/or substance use disorders (29%), including MPTFs with specialists in their staff. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary pain treatment facility exclusion criteria are most likely to affect CP patients living with complex pain issues and psychosocial vulnerabilities. Policy efforts are needed to support Canadian MPTFs in contributing to equitable access to pain management.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Une approche multidisciplinaire est recommandée pour les patients souffrant de douleur chronique (DC) complexe. De nombreux centres multidisciplinaires de traitement de la douleur (CMTD) utilisent des critères d'exclusion des patients, mais on ne sait que peu de choses sur leurs caractéristiques. L'objectif de cette étude était de décrire la fréquence et les caractéristiques des critères d'exclusion dans les CMTD publics canadiens. MéTHODE: Nous avons mené une étude transversale dans laquelle nous avons défini un CMTD comme une clinique composée de professionnels de trois disciplines ou plus (y compris au moins une spécialité médicale) et dont les services étaient intégrés à l'établissement. En 2017-2018, nous avons fait parvenir un questionnaire en ligne aux responsables administratifs des CMTD partout au pays. Ils ont été invités à remplir le questionnaire sur les caractéristiques de leurs établissements. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de statistiques descriptives et de mesures de corrélation. RéSULTATS: Au total, 87 CMTD ont été inclus dans les analyses. La moitié d'entre eux (52 %) ont déclaré utiliser trois critères d'exclusion ou plus. Il n'y avait pas d'association significative entre le nombre de critères d'exclusion et le temps d'attente pour un premier rendez-vous ou le nombre de nouvelles consultations au cours de la dernière année. La fibromyalgie et la migraine étaient les syndromes douloureux les plus fréquemment exclus (10 % et 7 % des CMTD, respectivement). Plus d'un CMTD sur quatre excluait les patients atteints de troubles de santé mentale (30 %) et/ou de troubles liés à l'utilisation de substances (29 %), y compris les CMTD comptant des spécialistes dans leur personnel. CONCLUSION: Les critères d'exclusion des centres multidisciplinaires de traitement de la douleur sont plus susceptibles d'affecter les patients atteints de douleur chronique vivant avec des problèmes de douleur complexes et des vulnérabilités psychosociales. Des efforts au niveau des politiques sont nécessaires pour aider les CMTD canadiens à favoriser un accès équitable à la prise en charge de la douleur.

The demise of a wonder: Evolutionary history and conservation assessments of the Wonder Gecko Teratoscincus keyserlingii (Gekkota, Sphaerodactylidae) in Arabia.

Effective biodiversity conservation planning starts with genetic characterization within and among focal populations, in order to understand the likely impact of threats for ensuring the long-term viability of a species. The Wonder Gecko, Teratoscincus keyserlingii, is one of nine members of the genus. This species is distributed in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, with a small isolated population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it is classified nationally as Critically Endangered. Within its Arabian range, anthropogenic activity is directly linked to the species' decline, with highly localised and severely fragmented populations. Here we describe the evolutionary history of Teratoscincus, by reconstructing its phylogenetic relationships and estimating its divergence times and ancestral biogeography. For conservation implications of T. keyserlingii we evaluate the genetic structure of the Arabian population using genomic data. This study supports the monophyly of most species and reveals considerable intraspecific variability in T. microlepis and T. keyserlingii, which necessitate broad systematic revisions. The UAE population of T. keyserlingii likely arrived from southern Iran during the Pleistocene and no internal structure was recovered within, implying a single population status. Regional conservation of T. keyserlingii requires improved land management and natural habitat restoration in the species' present distribution, and expansion of current protected areas, or establishment of new areas with suitable habitat for the species, mostly in northern Abu Dhabi Emirate.

Accessing care in multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities continues to be a challenge in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities (MPTFs) are considered the optimal settings for the management of chronic pain (CP). This study aimed (1) to determine the distribution of MPTFs across Canada, (2) to document time to access and types of services, and (3) to compare the results to those obtained in 2005-2006. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used the same MPTF definition as in 2005-2006-that is, a clinic staffed with professionals from a minimum of three different disciplines (including at least one medical specialty) and whose services were integrated within the facility. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify existing MPTFs across Canada. Administrative leads at each MPTF were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding their facilities. RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 104 MPTFs (response rate 79.4%). Few changes were observed in the distribution of MPTFs across Canada compared with 12 years ago. Most (91.3%) are concentrated in large urban cities. Prince Edward Island and the Territories still lack MPTFs. The number of pediatric-only MPTFs has nearly doubled but remains small (n=9). The median wait time for a first appointment in publicly funded MPTFs is about the same as 12 years ago (5.5 vs 6 months). Small but positive changes were also observed. CONCLUSION: Accessibility to public MPTFs continues to be limited in Canada, resulting in lengthy wait times for a first appointment. Community-based MPTFs and virtual care initiatives to distribute pain services into regional and remote communities are needed to provide patients with CP with optimal care.

Molecular identification of Todiramphus chloris subspecies on the Arabian Peninsula using three mitochondrial barcoding genes and ISSR markers.

The Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) is widely distributed across the Indian and western Pacific Oceans and consists of about 50 subspecies. Two different subspecies of T. chloris occur in the Arabian Peninsula: T. c. abyssinicus from the Red Sea coast and T. c. kalbaensis from the Arabian Sea coast in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular relationship between the two Arabian subspecies and to establish the first DNA barcodes from the Arabian Peninsula for this species. Three different mitochondrial genes were used: (i) cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), (ii) 12S rRNA (12S) and (iii) NADH dehydrogenase-1 (ND1). The COI gene sequences of the two subspecies were 100% identical, while the 12S and ND1 gene sequences revealed a unique single nucleotide variation between the two subspecies. Thus, this single nucleotide variation can be used as a DNA barcode to discriminate between two subspecies. Furthermore, the genetic profile or fingerprint for both subspecies were compared using ten primers of the highly polymorphic nuclear markers (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat, ISSR). As expected, the DNA analysis of the ISSR markers was able to distinguish between the specimens of the two subspecies. These results suggest that T. c. abyssinicus and T. c. kalbaensis are not identical and thus belong to different subspecies. Besides, the sequences of the COI gene for T. c. abyssinicus and T. c. kalbaensis differs by only 1.28% from T. sanctus suggesting that the Arabian subspecies are closely related to the Sacred Kingfisher (T. sanctus).

Impacts of the traditional baited basket fishing trap "gargoor" on green sea turtles Chelonia mydas (Testudines: Cheloniidae) Linnaeus, 1758 from two case reports in the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates fisheries consist of highly diverse fish communities, and the most popular equipment used by fishermen to harvest them is a traditional baited basket fishing trap known locally as "gargoor". Gargoors are dome-shaped traps made from galvanized steel; they have a circular supporting base and a funnel-like entrance. Unintended impacts of gargoors on marine fauna include bycatch of non-target species and, when lost, ghost fishing. However, there is very little information on sea turtle interaction with gargoors. In this paper we present two case reports from the eastern coast of the UAE of green sea turtle strandings associated with gargoor interactions. The first case report describes a turtle that was discovered trapped inside a lost or abandoned gargoor. The second case report describes another turtle that suffered from extensive perforation of the gastrointestinal tract resulting from the ingestion of 32 pieces of rusty gargoor fragments.

Marine debris ingestion of green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, (Linnaeus, 1758) from the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The deleterious effects of marine debris ingestion on marine turtles are well documented in literature globally. In this study, the qualitative and quantitative aspects of marine debris ingested by 14 stranded green sea turtles Chelonia mydas, (Linnaeus, 1758) along the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates were investigated. The numeric and gravimetric proportions of debris in the esophagus, stomach and intestines were documented following classification of color, presumed sources and Marine Strategy Framework Directive categories and sub-categories. The results show that 85.7% of the specimens examined consumed marine debris. On average, specimens consumed 61.9 ±â€¯17.2 items of 1.0 ±â€¯0.3 g mass. Plastics, particularly white, and transparent thread-like and sheet-like plastics, were the predominant debris ingested. The results reflect a potentially high level of interaction between green sea turtles and anthropogenic marine debris along the Gulf of Oman coast of the UAE.

Defining normal neonatal abdominal wall musculature with ultrasonography.

INTRODUCTION: The development of new surgical approaches for the management of congenital abdominal wall defects may be facilitated by using an animal model. However, because the anatomy of the neonatal abdominal wall has not been described, a suitable model is yet to be identified. We aimed to evaluate and define the neonatal abdominal wall musculature using ultrasound, to be used as a reference to identify an appropriate animal model for the neonatal abdominal wall in the future. METHODS: Infants with a postconceptual age of less than one month weighing between 2 and 3 kg were eligible. With ethical approval, ultrasonography of three abdominal wall locations bilaterally was performed. The depth of the skin to external oblique and the thickness of the three abdominal wall muscles, external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and transversus abdominis (TA), were measured. RESULTS: Ten males and seven females were recruited with median postconceptual age of 36 weeks (IQR 36-38), median postnatal age of 8 days (IQR 3-30) and median weight of 2.35kg (IQR 2.26-2.56). The mean depth of EO from skin was 2.06 mm (± 0.44). The mean thicknesses of the muscles were: EO 1.02 mm (± 0.33), IO 1.16 mm (± 0.39) and TA 1.02 mm (± 0.37). There was no statistical difference between the thickness of EO, IO or TA (p= 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to consistently identify and measure the components of the neonatal abdominal wall musculature with ultrasonography. We hope this can aid in developing an appropriate animal model, with the ultimate aim of facilitating innovation in surgical management of neonatal abdominal wall pathology. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Study of Diagnostic test, Level IV.

Radiological input during paediatric multidisciplinary team meetings and its influence on clinical patient management.

INTRODUCTION: There is little information about the role of the radiologist at multidisciplinary team meetings; in particular their influence on patient management. To evaluate the influence of radiologists on clinical patient management during multidisciplinary meetings. METHODS: Prospective data were collected over a 5-week period from multidisciplinary team meetings across four paediatric clinical domains. Radiological input was recorded for each case discussion, including the type of influence and its potential effect on clinical patient management. RESULTS: One hundred and forty paediatric cases were reviewed. Radiological advice was requested from the radiologist for 25.7% (N = 36) of cases. In 17.9% (N = 25) this advice was judged to have influenced clinical patient management. There were two cases where new imaging findings were discovered. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologists influence clinical patient management during multidisciplinary team meetings primarily by providing differential diagnoses and guidance regarding future imaging, with respect to both the necessity and the modality. Occasionally, when imaging is reviewed at these meetings, new findings are discovered that impact on patient management.

Physician-to-physician telephone consultations for chronic pain patients: A pragmatic randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The impact of telephone consultations between pain specialists and primary care physicians regarding the care of patients with chronic pain is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of telephone consultations between pain specialists and primary care physicians regarding the care of patients with chronic pain. METHODS: Patients referred to an interdisciplinary chronic pain service were randomly assigned to either receive usual care by the primary care physician, or to have their case discussed in a telephone consultation between a pain specialist and the referring primary care physician. Patients completed a numerical rating scale for pain, the Pain Disability Index and the Short Form-36 on referral, as well as three and six months later. Primary care physicians completed a brief survey to assess their impressions of the telephone consultation. RESULTS: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to either the usual care group or the standard telephone consultation group, and 67 completed the study protocol. Patients were comparable on baseline pain and demographic characteristics. No differences were found between the groups at six months after referral in regard to pain, disability or quality of life measures. Eighty percent of primary care physicians indicated that they learned new patient care strategies from the telephone consultation, and 97% reported that the consultation answered their questions and helped in the care of their patient. DISCUSSION: Most primary care physicians reported that a telephone consultation with a pain specialist answered their questions, improved their patients' care and resulted in new learning. Differences in patient status compared with a usual care control group were not detectable at six-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: While telephone consultations are clearly an acceptable strategy for knowledge translation, additional strategies may be required to actually impact patient outcomes.

Investigation of suspected Guillain-Barre syndrome in childhood: what is the role for gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the spine?

AIM: To review the role of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the spine in the diagnosis of paediatric Guillain-Barre syndrome and compare it with nerve conduction studies and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. METHODS: A retrospective review of investigations undertaken in children admitted to our institution with acute Guillain-Barre syndrome over a 10-year period was performed. RESULTS: Seven of eight children (88%) displayed post-gadolinium nerve root enhancement consistent with Guillain-Barre syndrome. This compared with supportive nerve conduction studies in 21/24 children (88%) and cerebrospinal fluid protein analysis consistent with the diagnosis in 16/20 children (80%). CONCLUSION: Nerve conduction studies are the recognised 'gold standard' technique for confirming a clinical diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. In this study, a high positive rate was demonstrated. While more experience is necessary, this study and the literature support gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the spine as a valuable, although not necessarily superior, investigation in the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. It may be of particular benefit when specialist neurophysiology expertise is unavailable.

Canadian Pain Society and Canadian Rheumatology Association recommendations for rational care of persons with fibromyalgia: a summary report.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the development of evidence-based guidelines for the clinical care of persons with fibromyalgia (FM), taking into account advances in understanding of the pathogenesis of FM, new diagnostic criteria, and new treatment options. METHODS: Recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and patient followup were drafted according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and following review were endorsed by the Canadian Rheumatology Association and the Canadian Pain Society. RESULTS: FM is a polysymptomatic syndrome presenting a spectrum of severity, with a pivotal symptom of body pain. FM is a positive clinical diagnosis, not a diagnosis of exclusion, and not requiring specialist confirmation. There are no confirmatory laboratory tests, although some investigation may be indicated to exclude other conditions. Ideal care is in the primary care setting, incorporating nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies in a multimodal approach with active patient participation. The treatment objective should be reduction of symptoms, but also improved function using a patient-tailored treatment approach that is symptom-based. Self-management strategies combining good lifestyle habits and fostering a strong locus of control are imperative. Medications afford only modest relief, with doses often lower than suggested, and drug combinations used according to clinical judgment. There is a need for continued reassessment of the risk-benefit ratio for any drug treatment. Outcome should be aimed toward functioning within a normal life pattern and any culture of disablement should be discouraged. CONCLUSION: These guidelines should provide the health community with reassurance for the global care of patients with FM with the aim of improving patient outcome by reducing symptoms and maintaining function.

2012 Canadian Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia syndrome: executive summary.

BACKGROUND: Recent neurophysiological evidence attests to the validity of fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic pain condition that affects >2% of the population. OBJECTIVES: To present the evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, management and patient trajectory of individuals with FM. METHODS: A needs assessment following consultation with diverse health care professionals identified questions pertinent to various aspects of FM. A literature search identified the evidence available to address these questions; evidence was graded according to the standards of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Drafted recommendations were appraised by an advisory panel to reflect meaningful clinical practice. RESULTS: The present recommendations incorporate the new clinical concepts of FM as a clinical construct without any defining physical abnormality or biological marker, characterized by fluctuating, diffuse body pain and the frequent symptoms of sleep disturbance, fatigue, mood and cognitive changes. In the absence of a defining cause or cure, treatment objectives should be patient-tailored and symptom-based, aimed at reducing global complaints and enhancing function. Healthy lifestyle practices with active patient participation in health care forms the cornerstone of care. Multimodal management may include nonpharmacological and pharmacological strategies, although it must be acknowledged that pharmacological treatments provide only modest benefit. Maintenance of function and retention in the workforce is encouraged. CONCLUSIONS: The new Canadian guidelines for the treatment of FM should provide health professionals with confidence in the complete care of these patients and improve clinical outcomes.

Venous malformations: Clinical course and management of vascular birthmark clinic cases.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Venous malformations (VM) are an uncommon vascular malformation with an estimated incidence of 1-2 per 10 000 births. The aim was to define the clinical characteristics and management of children with VM and develop a database for future research. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all children presenting to the Vascular Birth Mark clinic with VM from 2000 to 2011. RESULTS: In total 128 patients were included, of whom 59.4% were female, 78.1% were Caucasian and 56.3% resided in a metropolitan area. Most lesions were noted at birth (64.1%) with an average age when VM was first noticed of 17.1 months. The average age of definitive diagnosis was 65.9 months. Locations most frequently involved were the lower limb (41.4%), face (21.1%), trunk (17.2%) and upper limb (15.6%). The most commonly associated conditions were capillary malformation (28.9%) and lymphatic malformation (28.1%). Magnetic resonance imaging was used in the majority of patients (86.7%) to assess tissue distribution of the lesions. Skin and subcutaneous tissue (61.3%), muscle (49.5%) and joints (11.7%) were most commonly involved. Complications of VM resulted in morbidity in 68.8% of cases, most commonly pain (52.3%), thrombophlebitis (17.2%), bleeding (13.3%) and limb length discrepancy (13.3%). Intervention was employed in 68.0%, most often with sclerotherapy (61.8%), compression garments (43.0%), and endovascular laser (17.2%) and surgical management (13.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Given the frequent association of VM with other vascular lesions, considerable morbidity, and specialised treatment, a multidisciplinary approach to their management in childhood is important and should include dermatology, diagnostic and interventional radiology, haematology, paediatric surgery, physiotherapy and social services.

Early cystic fibrosis lung disease detected by bronchoalveolar lavage and lung clearance index.

RATIONALE: Unrecognized airway infection and inflammation in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF) may lead to irreversible lung disease; therefore early detection and treatment is highly desirable. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the lung clearance index (LCI) is a sensitive and repeatable noninvasive measure of airway infection and inflammation in newborn-screened children with CF. METHODS: Forty-seven well children with CF (mean age, 1.55 yr) and 25 healthy children (mean age, 1.26 yr) underwent multiple-breath washout testing. LCI within and between-test variability was assessed. Children with CF also had surveillance bronchoalveolar lavage performed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean (SD) LCI in healthy children was 6.45 (0.49). The LCI was higher in children with CF (7.21 [0.81]; P < 0.001). The upper limit of normal for the LCI was 7.41. Fifteen (32%) children with CF had an elevated LCI. LCI measurements were repeatable and reproducible. Airway infection was present in 17 (36%) children with CF, including 7 (15%) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Polymicrobial growth was associated with worse inflammation. The LCI was higher in children with Pseudomonas (7.92 [1.16]) than in children without Pseudomonas (7.02 [0.56]) (P = 0.038). The LCI correlated with bronchoalveolar lavage IL-8 (R(2) = 0.20, P = 0.004) and neutrophil count (R(2) = 0.21, P = 0.001). An LCI below the upper limit of normality had a high negative predictive value (93%) in excluding Pseudomonas. CONCLUSIONS: The LCI is elevated early in CF, especially in the presence of Pseudomonas and airway inflammation. The LCI is a feasible, repeatable, and sensitive noninvasive marker of lung disease in young children with CF.