title: Effect of rhDNase on lung function and quality of life in adult cystic fibrosis patients.
abstract: Accumulation of viscous sputum enhances lung damage in patients with cystic fibrosis. High contents of DNA, released by leucocytes, are the major cause of the high viscosity of this sputum. Recombinant human DNase I (rhDNase) decreases viscoelastic properties of sputum in cystic fibrosis and improves lung function. We have investigated the effect of rhDNase over a period of 6 weeks, 2.5 mg once daily, on lung function and quality of life in 12 adult patients with cystic fibrosis. Significant improvements in FEV1, IVC and daily peak flow values were measured. Airway resistance and FVC did not improve significantly. The cause of the improvements found is probably due to recruitment of previously, due to mucus plugging, unventilated lung areas. In addition, the awareness of symptoms related to sputum retention improved, although subjective parameters on general well-being and physical condition remained unchanged.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, Leyenburg Hospital, The Hague, Netherlands.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Heijerman
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: van Rossem
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bakker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005100:Expectorants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
chemical_list: D005100:Expectorants; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C085693:DNASE1 protein, human; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I