ABSTRACT
In addition to the effects on airway reactivity, concerns about the effects of hypertonic saline on airway defenses and its possible proinflammatory potential have been raised. Although the tonicity of CF airway surface liquid is a matter of ongoing controversy, it is clear that there are a number of saltsensitive peptides (beta-defensins, other cationic peptides and components of the innate airway mucosal defense systems26) whose antibacterial properties might be impaired by rendering the epithelial lining fluid hypernatremic.26,27
Figure 8.2 Individual patients’ responses to daily rhDNase and hypertonic saline. Each point represents a single patient. There are marked individual differences in response both to rhDNase and hypertonic saline. FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second. (Data from Suri R et al. Lancet 2001; 358:1316-2122 with permission from Elsevier and Suri R. MD Thesis, University of Manchester.23)
