title: Comparison of effects of 3 and 7% hypertonic saline nebulization on lung function in children with cystic fibrosis: a double-blind randomized, controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Beneficial effects of hypertonic saline on lung function in cystic fibrosis patients are well documented. However, the effects of various concentrations of hypertonic saline are not well studied. We, therefore, compared the effects of 3 and 7% hypertonic saline administered by nebulization on lung function in children with cystic fibrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 31 children with cystic fibrosis were randomized to receive either 3% saline or 7% saline nebulization twice daily for 28 days. Spirometry was performed and functional status was measured on Day 14 and 28.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 31 children enrolled in the study, 30 completed the 28 days follow up (15 in each group). Percentage change in Forced Expiratory Volume during first second (FEV(1)) from baseline to Day 14 and on Day 28 was significantly higher in the group receiving 3% saline as compared with those receiving 7% saline inhalation. There was some decrease in FEV(1) (percentage predicted) immediately after 7% saline inhalation unlike 3% saline. The functional status remained comparable between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that 3% hypertonic saline nebulization was better than 7% saline inhalation. There is a need for studies with larger sample size and longer duration to confirm our results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Sumita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Faizan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Rakesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lodha
authors.forename: Y K
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Sushil K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kabra
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013147:Spirometry; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic