Hypertonic saline inhalation and mucociliary clearance in children with cystic fibrosis
Author Information
Author(s): Laube Beth L, Sharpless Gail, Carson Kathryn A, Kelly Amber, Mogayzel Peter J Jr
Primary Institution: The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Hypothesis
Children with cystic fibrosis and normal pulmonary function will have mucociliary clearance values similar to healthy non-CF individuals and will show significant improvement in mucociliary clearance following an acute inhalation of hypertonic saline, compared to placebo.
Conclusion
Acute inhalation of hypertonic saline did not improve mucociliary clearance in all children, but some children with lower baseline values did show improvement.
Supporting Evidence
- Median mucociliary clearance at 60 minutes was 15.4% in children with cystic fibrosis on placebo.
- 10 out of 12 children had mucociliary clearance values below the median of healthy adults.
- 5 out of 12 children showed a decrease in mucociliary clearance after inhalation of hypertonic saline.
Takeaway
The study looked at how a salty mist helps kids with cystic fibrosis clear mucus from their lungs. Some kids got better, but not all of them did.
Methodology
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study comparing mucociliary clearance in children with cystic fibrosis after inhalation of hypertonic saline versus placebo.
Potential Biases
Some children may have been unblinded due to the taste of hypertonic saline, which could affect their responses.
Limitations
The study was likely underpowered due to a smaller than expected standard deviation and the potential for unblinding due to the taste of hypertonic saline.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 7-14 years with cystic fibrosis and normal pulmonary function.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.045
Statistical Significance
p = 0.045
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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