Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway secretions are abnormal, contributing to decreased
clearance and a cycle of infection and inflammation. CF sputum properties may predict
disease progression. We hypothesized that sputum viscoelasticity and clearance
abnormalities would inversely correlate with pulmonary function during exacerbation and
that sputum properties would return to baseline after therapy. Methods We collected sputa
longitudinally from 13 subjects with CF with moderate to severe lung disease during both …