Demographic and clinical characteristics of the 132 participants on admission
| Characteristics | Hypertonic saline (n=67) | Control (n=65) |
|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | 28±9 (17–62) | 27±9 (18–63) |
| Gender, n female (%) | 35 (52) | 30 (46) |
| BMI (kg/m2) | 21±3 (15–32) | 21±3 (15–29) |
| FEV1 (% predicted) | 49±22 (10–94) | 47±19 (16–88) |
| FVC (% predicted) | 70±21 (25–118) | 67±19 (26–110) |
| FEF25–75 (% predicted) | 24±20 (2–96) | 21±16 (3–88) |
| Fall in FEV1 with exacerbation from best outpatient value in the past 6 months (% fall) | 18±16 (8–63) | 18±15 (19–59) |
| >25% fall in FEV1 with exacerbation, n (%) | 18 (27) | 15 (23) |
| Exacerbation score (/12) | 7±2 (4–11) | 7±1 (4–10) |
| Modified shuttle test (metres) | 737±354 (30–1500) | 726±266 (270–1390) |
| Regular rhDNase use, n (%) | 37 (55) | 39 (60) |
| Regular HS use, n (%) | 14 (21) | 11 (17) |
| Intermittent HS use*, n (%) | 26 (39) | 28 (43) |
| No or minimal HS use, n (%) | 27 (40) | 26 (40) |
Values are mean±SD (range), or number and percentage of participants.
*Intermittent use is defined as use only when unwell or self-reported variable compliance.
BMI, body mass index; FEF, forced expiratory flow, % predicted ERS/Zapletal; HS, hypertonic saline; rhDNase, recombinant human dornase α.