Nebulised Hypertonic Saline to Decrease Respiratory Exacerbations in Neuromuscular Disease or Neurodisability
This research aims to find out if breathing in salty water, called hypertonic saline, can help children and adults with conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. These conditions often make it hard to clear mucus from the lungs, leading to frequent chest infections. For a year, some participants will use a special device (nebuliser) to breathe in salty water twice a day. Others will breathe in a less salty water. The study wants to see if this treatment can reduce the number of chest infections and the need for antibiotics. It will also look at how this treatment affects their general health and quality of life. The study hopes to provide clear information for patients and doctors about this potential treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is investigating a treatment called 'nebulised hypertonic saline' for people with specific long-term conditions. These conditions include neuromuscular diseases (which affect muscles and nerves, like muscular dystrophy) and neurodisabilities (which affect how the brain works, such as cerebral palsy). People with these conditions often struggle to clear mucus from their lungs, which can lead to frequent, sometimes serious, chest infections.
The main goal of this research is to see if using a nebuliser to breathe in salty water (hypertonic saline) can help reduce these chest infections over a 12-month period. If successful, this could mean less need for antibiotics, which is good for individual health and also helps tackle the bigger problem of antibiotic resistance. The study will also look at how this treatment affects a person's overall well-being and daily life.
The findings from this study are really important. They will help doctors and patients understand whether salty water treatment is an effective way to manage chest infections in these conditions. This information can then guide decisions about the best care for people facing these health challenges.
Key takeaways
- The study tests if breathing in salty water helps with chest infections.
- It's for people aged 5+ with certain muscle or brain conditions.
- Participants will use a nebuliser twice daily for 12 months.
- Aims to reduce antibiotic use and improve lung health.
- All assessments are at hospitals, treatment is at home.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children and adults aged 5 years and older who have been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease or a neurodisability, like cerebral palsy. A key requirement is that you must have had at least one chest infection that needed antibiotics in the past year, or even required a hospital stay.
To ensure the treatment is suitable, you should also be able to comfortably breathe in a slightly concentrated salty water solution through a nebuliser. You wouldn't be able to join if you have certain other conditions like Cystic Fibrosis, or if you already use a daily salty water treatment stronger than regular saline.
- I have been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease or a neurodisability (like cerebral palsy).
- I am 5 years old or older.
- I have had at least one chest infection needing antibiotics in the last year.
- I can comfortably breathe in salty water using a nebuliser.
- I do not have Cystic Fibrosis or use daily strong salty water treatment already.
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have some checks at the hospital to see how your lungs are working and to complete some questionnaires about your health and quality of life. You might give a sample of phlegm or a swab from your throat.
After these initial checks, you'll be assigned to either breathe in the stronger salty water or a less salty water, using a special machine called a nebuliser, twice a day for 12 months at home. Both you and the researchers will know which treatment you are receiving. You'll have monthly check-ups over the phone or in person to talk about any difficulties or new chest infections. After the 12 months of treatment, you will come back to the hospital to repeat the same initial checks. The total time you'd be involved in the study, including assessments and treatment, would be about 13 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Royal Brompton HospitalLondon, United Kingdom
- Nottingham University HospitalsNottingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a nebuliser?
A nebuliser is a small machine that turns liquid medicine (like saline) into a fine mist that you can breathe in through a mask or mouthpiece.
What is hypertonic saline?
Hypertonic saline is simply water with a higher amount of salt than normal, which can help thin mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up.
Will I know which treatment I'm getting?
Yes, in this study, both you and the research team will know if you are receiving the stronger salty water or the normal salty water. This is because they taste different.
How long will the study last?
You will use the nebuliser for 12 months, and with the initial and final check-ups, your total involvement in the study will be about 13 months.
Where does the study take place?
Assessments will be done at Royal Brompton Hospital in London or Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, and the treatment will be used at home.
How to find out more
Natalia G Galaz Souza
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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