Inhaled hyperosmolar agents for bronchiectasis

Wills PJ, Greenstone M

Published Online:

October 8, 2008

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 collects in the lungs, causing discomfort and the need to cough it up. The mucus also collects bacteria, and causes infections and other lung and breathing problems. Inhaling hypertonic saline liquids may help clear this mucus, as may the drug mannitol (inhaled in dry powder form). The review of trials found some evidence that mannitol may help. More research is needed.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Mucus retention in the lungs is a prominent feature of bronchiectasis. The stagnant mucus becomes chronically colonised with bacteria, which elicit a host neutrophilic response. This fails to eliminate the bacteria, and the large concentration of host-derived protease may contribute to the airway damage. The sensation of retained mucus is itself a cause of suffering, and the failure to maintain airway sterility probably contributes to the frequent respiratory infections experienced by many patients.

Hypertonic saline inhalation is known to accelerate tracheobronchial clearance in many conditions, probably by inducing a liquid flux into the airway surface, which alters mucus rheology in a way favourable to mucociliary clearance. Inhaled dry powder mannitol has a similar effect. Such agents are an attractive approach to the problem of mucostasis, and deserve further clinical evaluation.

Objectives:

To determine whether inhaled hyperosmolar substances are efficacious in the treatment of bronchiectasis

Search strategy:

The Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register was searched, and leaders in the field were contacted. Searches were current as of October 2007.

Selection criteria:

Any trial using hyperosmolar inhalation in patients with bronchiectasis not caused by cystic fibrosis.

Data collection and analysis:

Two reviewers assessed studies for suitability.

Main results:

Two small studies met the inclusion criteria of the review (28 participants). One study reported tracheobronchial clearance of a particulate radio aerosol after inhalation of dry mannitol on a single occasion, with appropriate control. Airway clearance doubled in the central and intermediate regions of the lung, but not in the peripheral region, after mannitol administration. No side effects were observed, but two patients were premedicated with nedocromil to prevent bronchospasm. Findings from one further trial indicated that one domain of a sensitive health status instrument showed a favourable response to mannitol.

Authors' conclusions:

Dry powder mannitol has been shown to improve tracheobronchial clearance in bronchiectasis, as well as cystic fibrosis, asthmatics, and normal subjects. Hypertonic saline has not been specifically tested in bronchiectasis, but improves clearance in these other conditions and in chronic bronchitis. The measurement of health status in one of the studies should be repeated in future longer term randomised controlled studies of mannitol and hypertonic saline. Consideration should also be given to exacerbations and symptom scores, as well as drug-related adverse events.

This record should be cited as:

Wills PJ, Greenstone M. Inhaled hyperosmolar agents for bronchiectasis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD002996. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002996.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

October 4, 2007

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Primary Review Group:

Airways Group

Health topics:

Lungs & airways > Bronchiectasis

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Inhaled hyperosmolar agents for bronchiectasis

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