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Inhaled hypertonic saline increases sputum expectoration in cystic fibrosis
Author(s) -
RIEDLER J,
READE T,
BUTTON B,
ROBERTSON CF
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.1996.tb01541.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hypertonic saline , spirometry , sputum , inhalation , cystic fibrosis , anesthesia , chest physiotherapy , asthma , tuberculosis , pathology
Objective : To determine whether inhalation of hypertonic saline (HS) increases sputum expectoration in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methodology : Ten adolescents with CF, who were receiving inpatient treatment for a pulmonary exacerbation, were enrolled in a controlled cross‐over clinical trial. After inhalation of a beta adrenergic drug to prevent possible broncho‐constriction, each patient inhaled for 10min either 0.9% isotonic saline (IS) or 6% HS prior to routine physiotherapy. The following day the patient received the alternative solution. Seven patients undertook a second block after 1‐5 days. Outcome measures included weight of sputum, a visual analogue score to assess the subjective feeling of a cleared chest after physiotherapy, and spirometry. Results : Sputum expectoration (median; Q1,Q3) from the beginning of the inhalation of HS or IS to the final spirometry measure 60min post‐physiotherapy was significantly greater after HS than IS [17.2g (11.7, 34.8) vs 11.3g (6.5. 16,1); P — 0.006]. A clinical score of the patient's own judgement of a cleared chest was significantly better after HS than IS. Spirometry results did not change following either of the two inhalations. Conclusions : These data show that the inhalation of 6% HS prior to physiotherapy can increase sputum expectoration in patients with CF and suggest that HS might be an effective, safe and cheap adjunct to regular physiotherapy in patients with CF.