Effects of hypertonic saline on sputum clearance in patients with bronchiectasis

Hypertonic saline (HS) has been largely approved in cystic fibrosis to increase airways clearance while little evidence is available in bronchiectasis (BE). Aim: To compare 3 inhaled solutions (7% HS; 0.1% Hialuronic Acid [HA] + 7% HS and 0.9% Isotonic Saline [IS]) in terms of: expectoration, cough severity, lung function and safety. Methods: Was conducted a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial in BE patients. Patients inhaled each solution during 4 consecutive days, followed by a physiotherapy session (apart from 3 rd day). A 7-day washout period was used between treatments. Safety was analyzed using an ad…