title: Hypertonic saline for cystic fibrosis: worth its salt?
abstract: Airway dehydration in cystic fibrosis (CF) leads to chronic inflammation, ongoing infection and progressive lung disease. Restoration of airway hydration by inhalation of an osmotic agent (hypertonic saline) has been shown to be safe, effective and well-tolerated in adults with CF. Although the safety of hypertonic saline in infants and young children with CF has also been established, recent studies have reported inconclusive evidence about its efficacy. In this editorial, we discuss the evidence behind hypertonic saline use for adults, children and infants with CF.
authors.affiliation: Cystic Fibrosis Research and Treatment Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Medicine, UNC CF Center, CB #7248 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Goralski
authors.forename: Scott H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Donaldson
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic
keywords: clinical trials; cystic fibrosis; endpoints; hypertonic saline; pediatrics