01434nas a2200157   4500000000100000008004100001653002400042653001200066100001600078700001100094245006300105300003500168490000700203050000600210520106000216       2006                            d10aPeer Reviewed Paper10aChecked1 aElkins Mark1 aBye P.00aInhaled hypertonic saline as a therapy for cystic fibrosis  a445-452. [Impact Factor 2.650]0 v12  aN3 a<p>
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The beneficial effect of a short course of nebulized hypertonic saline on lung function for people with cystic fibrosis was first identified in 1996. At that time, competing hypotheses about the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis lung disease predicted very different responses to long-term inhalation of hypertonic saline. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent benchtop research supports the hypothesis that the liquid layer lining the airways is depleted in cystic fibrosis. In addition to osmotically restoring this liquid layer, hypertonic saline improves the rheological properties of the mucus and stimulates cough. The net result is accelerated mucus clearance that is short-lived for single doses but sustained with regular inhalation. Long-term use improves lung function mildly but has marked benefits with respect to exacerbations, quality of life and absenteeism, without promoting infection or inflammation. SUMMARY: Hypertonic saline appears broadly applicable as an inexpensive therapy for most patients with cystic fibrosis.
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