SynthesisThe Cochrane database of systematic reviews2000
Mucolytics for bronchiectasis.
Synthesis in The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2000. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT01952470 (Investigating the Role of Nebulised Mucolytic Therapy During Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Post Lung Transplantation.), which is not on this map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Investigating the Role of Nebulised Mucolytic Therapy During Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Post Lung Transplantation.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed, 51 citations in OpenAlex.
- Clinical immunology review series: An approach to the management of pulmonary disease in primary antibody deficiency.Clinical and experimental immunology · 2009Review
Corrections and comments
- Updated by
Authors and funding
4 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundBronchiectasis is usually characterised by the production of large quantities of sputum that patients frequently have difficulty in expectorating. Mucolytic agents target hyper-secretion or changed physiochemical properties of sputum to make it easier to clear. One drug, recombinant human DNase, breaks down the DNA that is released at the site of infection by neutrophils.
objectivesThe objective of this review was to assess the effects of ingested or inhaled mucolytics in patients with bronchiectasis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, reference lists of relevant articles. We also contacted experts in the field and drug companies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of mucolytic treatment in people with bronchiectasis but not cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Study authors were contacted for confirmation. MAIN
resultsTwo trials were included. In one study, compared to placebo, high doses of bromhexine combined with antibiotics eased difficulty in expectoration (weighted mean difference -0.53, 95% confidence interval -0.81 to -0.25 at 16 days). There was also a reduction in sputum production with bromhexine (weighted mean difference -21.5%, 95% confidence interval -38.9 to -4.1 at day 16). There was no difference in forced expiratory volume. In a second study, compared to placebo, recombinant human DNase showed no difference in forced expiratory volume or forced vital capacity. Adverse effects, including influenza-like symptoms, were more common in the group receiving recombinant human DNase. REVIEWER'S
conclusionsThere is not enough evidence to evaluate the routine use of mucolytics for bronchiectasis. High doses of bromhexine coupled with antibiotics may help with sputum production and clearance.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.