Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
ontrolled, double blind crossover study
Participants
9 CF children
Interventions
twice daily inhaled amiloride (10(-3)M). Each treatment period (amiloride versus 0.9% saline) lasted for two months.
Outcome measures
sputum weight, consistency of sputum and lung function (FEF1, FVC, FEF50, FEF25, PEF)
Main results
Inhaled amiloride was able to increase mean sputum weight per day from 11.75 g (+/- 5.96) up to 18.5 g (+/- 10.34). This was equal to an increase of 57%. Some children felt that sputum expectoration lasted longer while using amiloride and that even for some hours after inhalation they expectorated a sputum-like fluid. We were able to detect, at least in some patients, that their sputum consisted of two parts, one showing more solid contents, the other more fluid-like contents. This was, however, not a consistent feature. No significant or clinical important differences were found for pulmonary function test data. There were no pulmonary or extra pulmonary side effects from treatment with amiloride.
Authors' conclusions
Further studies should be undertaken to assess the efficacy of longer lasting amiloride inhalation on the course of the disease in CF patients.