CompletedPhase 3ACTRN12607000301460

The effects of nebulised N-acetylcysteine on sputum quality and diagnostic yield: a randomised, controlled clinical trial

A randomised clinical trial to compare the efficacy of nebulized N-acetylcysteine and normal saline in improving sputum quality and diagnostic yield in patients with chest infections.


Sponsor

Austin Health

Enrollment

190 participants

Start Date

Aug 1, 2007

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Summary

We believe that the use of N-acetylcysteine (a known mucolytic) will be useful in improving the diagnostic yield of sputum culture. If this hypothesis is proven, this agent can be recommend for this purpose.


Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria1

  • Differential diagnosis inclusive of lower respiratory tract infection as determined by the treating physician (eg. cough, fever, pleuritic chest pain, dyspnoea, decreased breath sounds, bronchial breath sounds, crackles on auscultation) ·A sputum sample is to be collected in the ED.

Exclusion Criteria1

  • Inability to co-operate or consent due to debility, significant illness, language barriers, altered consciousness (as determined by the ED or study staff)·Refusal to participate·Pregnancy or breast-feeding·Known allergy to NAC·Presence of significant hepatic or renal failure·Presence of other significant co-morbidities eg. HIV, immunocompromised, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis·CXR suggestive of TB·Recent hospital admission within the previous 14 days inclusively·Current treatment with >10mg prenisolone daily for more than 1 month inclusively

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Interventions

Single dose of 5 ml (200mg/ml) of nebulized N-acetylcysteine (intervention).

Single dose of 5 ml (200mg/ml) of nebulized N-acetylcysteine (intervention).


Locations(1)

Australia

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ACTRN12607000301460