Cystic fibrosis: management of haemoptysis.

Haemoptysis is a common complication in cystic fibrosis (CF), occurring in approximately 9% of the population. Massive haemoptysis is associated with older patients, more severe disease and carries a high mortality rate. Despite this there are few robust published studies of effective treatments and knowledge of the precise pathogenesis is limited. Current guidelines for treatment from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) are based on consensus opinion of experts. Patients with massive haemoptysis who do not respond to initial medical treatments should undergo bronchial artery embolization. This will control the bleeding in the majority of cases but recurrence rates are high and there are little data to support long-term improved outcomes. Surgery is a last resort in patients with CF.