170 Safety of nebulised hypertonic saline via Pari eFlow with Pari positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device in circuit for paediatric cystic fibrosis patients

• Published in: Journal of cystic fibrosis 2015-06, Vol.14, p.S101-S101
• Main Authors: Wilson, P, Lambert, C, Nwokoro, C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Pulmonary/Respiratory
• ISSN: 1569-1993; 1873-5010
• DOI: 10.1016/S1569-1993(15)30347-7

Introduction Airway clearance techniques (ACT) are an important part of cystic fibrosis (CF) management. Nebulised hypertonic saline (HS) is recommended in CF patients to aid the clearance of secretions. Combination therapy of ACT and nebulised HS has been research in adult CF patients, demonstrating its safety. Aim To review the safety of performing ACT with nebulised HS in paediatric patients during an inpatient admission Method CF patients that were admitted to the ward that use positive expiratory pressure (PEP) for ACT and use HS as part of their daily routine were asked to participate. HS was administered using a Pari eFlow device with the Pari PEP in circuit. Combination therapy sessions were supervised by a qualified physiotherapist. Outcomes The primary outcomes being measured were significant adverse events, and changes to clinical observations pre and post sessions. The secondary outcome was a change to forced lung function tests at admission to discharge. Results Seven participtants were included ranging from 2 to 16 years old. Only one adverse event was recorded out of 60 observed sessions of combination therapy (0.016%). There was no statistically significant difference between pre and post session observations (p = 1.0). Lung function improved in all patients that were able to perform a standard force expiratory technique (n = 5) but was not statistically significant (p = 0.5). Conclusion Combination therapy is safe in paediatric CF patients. Some patients demonstrated an improvement of up to 30% in forced expiratory lung function tests. Due to low numbers of participants it was difficult to demonstrate a statistical significance.