Mucolytic drugs (to help make phlegm easier to cough up) for people with bronchiectasis

Crockett A, Cranston JM, Alpers JH, Latiner KM

Published Online:

February 17, 2010

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition that usually develops after a series of lung problems (such as childhood infections, problems in the lung structure, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis). A lot of mucus (phlegm) collects in the lungs, causing discomfort and the need to cough it up. The phlegm also collects bacteria, which can add to breathing difficulties. Mucolytic drugs break down phlegm, which can make it easier to cough up. However, the review of trials found there is not enough evidence about the effects of mucolytics for people with bronchiectasis.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Bronchiectasis is predominantly an acquired disease process representing the end stage of a variety of unrelated pulmonary insults. It is defined as a persistent irreversible dilatation and distortion of medium-sized bronchi. Patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis frequently have difficulty expectorating the infected sputum. Mucolytic agents target hyper-secretion or changed physiochemical properties of sputum to make it easier to clear. One drug, recombinant human DNase, breaks down the DNA that is released at the site of infection by neutrophils.

Objectives:

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of ingested or inhaled mucolytics in people with bronchiectasis.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register and reference lists of relevant articles. We also contacted experts in the field and drug companies. Searches were current as of January 2010.

Selection criteria:

Randomised trials of mucolytic treatment in people with bronchiectasis but not cystic fibrosis.

Data collection and analysis:

Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Study authors were contacted for confirmation.

Main results:

Three trials were included, but none of their data could be aggregated in a meta analysis. Compared to placebo, high doses of bromhexine with antibiotics eased difficulty in expectoration (weighted mean difference -0.53, 95% confidence interval -0.81 to -0.25 at 16 days). There was also a reduction in sputum production with bromhexine (weighted mean difference -21.5%, 95% confidence interval -38.9 to -4.1 % at day 16). Compared to placebo, recombinant human DNase showed no difference in forced expiratory volume or forced vital capacity in one study and was reported to have a significant negative effect on forced expiratory volume in another study. Adverse effects, including influenza-like symptoms, were more common in the group receiving recombinant human DNase. An update search conducted in January 2010 did not yield any further studies for inclusion in the review.

Authors' conclusions:

There is not enough evidence to evaluate the routine use of mucolytics for bronchiectasis. High doses of bromhexine coupled with antibiotics may help with sputum production and clearance.

This record should be cited as:

Crockett A, Cranston JM, Alpers JH, Latiner KM. Mucolytics for bronchiectasis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD001289. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001289

Assessed as up to date:

January 19, 2010

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Primary Review Group:

Airways Group

Health topics:

Lungs & airways > Bronchiectasis

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Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Mucolytic drugs (to help make phlegm easier to cough up) for people with bronchiectasis

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