Authors' recommendations: The studies assessed show that hypertonic saline has minimal side effects in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and appears to be safe for usage in infants and children. A long term, blinded trial showed that while there was no difference in lung function over the study period there were improvements in several important secondary outcomes, such as lung exacerbations and increased quality of life. Further studies are needed to assess the potential hypertonic saline induced changes to lung function that may either be beneficial of detrimental and whether this has an impact on quality of life and survival. Given the low cost and safety of hypertonic saline treatment it seems to be a moderately effective additional therapy for CF patients. The use of hypertonic saline for the treatment of CF patients appears to be routine in a number of Australian jurisdictions, therefore HealthPACT has recommended that further assessment of this technology is no longer warranted.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2009

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)