Hypertonic Saline in Cystic Fibrosis
Eliza G. Stensland
Benjamin A. Nelson
A Controlled Trial of Long-Term Inhaled Hypertonic Saline in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
Elkins MR, Robinson M, Rose BR, et al. N Engl J Med. 2006;354(3):229–240
Background
Approximately 30,000 US children are living with cystic fibrosis (CF).1 In patients with CF, airway secretions are dry, leading to retained mucus, recurrent infection, and, ultimately, increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies had shown that short-term administration of 7% hypertonic saline (HTS) improved mucociliary clearance and lung function. This study was the first to evaluate the impact of HTS on long-term outcomes in CF.
Objectives
To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of HTS treatments in patients with CF.
Methods
Double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial in 16 hospitals in Australia from 2000 to 2003.
Patients
164 patients age >6 years (mean 18.7 ± 9.2) with clinically stable CF. Select exclusion criteria: pregnancy, breastfeeding, colonization with Burkholderia cepacia, cigarette smoking, prior HTS use, or nonroutine antibiotic use within 14 days.
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