Evidence map›Paper›PMID 11279712›Full record

SynthesisThe Cochrane database of systematic reviews2001

Mucolytics for bronchiectasis.

A J Crockett, J M Cranston, K M Latimer, J H Alpers

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2001. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 4 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed, 4 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

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.

2 · The registry

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.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed, 4 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Mucolytics for bronchiectasis.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2014
    Pooled it
  3. Interventions for primary (intrinsic) tracheomalacia in children.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2012
    Pooled it
  4. Pooled it
  5. Review
  6. Review
  7. Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.Clinical medicine (London, England) · 2009
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

A J CrockettRespiratory Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, AUSTRALIA, 5042. alan.crockett@flinders.edu.au
J M Cranston
K M Latimer
J H Alpers

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBronchiectasis is predominantly an acquired disease process representing the end stage of a variety of unrelated pulmonary insults. It is defined as a persistent irreversible dilatation and distortion of medium-sized bronchi. Patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis frequently have difficulty exporating the infected sputum. 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 people 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

resultsThree trials were included, but none of their data could be aggregated in a meta analysis. Compared to placebo, high doses of bromhexine 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). Compared to placebo, recombinant human DNase showed no difference in forced expiratory volume or forced vital capacity in one study and was reported to have a significant negative effect on forced expiratory volume in another study. 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

Anti-Bacterial AgentsBromhexineBronchiectasisDeoxyribonucleasesDrug Therapy, CombinationExpectorantsHumansRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicRecombinant ProteinsAnti-Bacterial AgentsBromhexineDeoxyribonucleasesExpectorantsRecombinant Proteins

Identifiers

PMID11279712

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

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.