Conditions: Atelectasis
Keywords: Atelectasis
Allocation: RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: PARALLEL
Enrollment: 33
Healthy volunteers: no

Brief summary:
Despite the lack of trials proving the efficacy of DNase in non cystic fibrosis patients, it is currently heavily used in this population. In fact, per evidence of barcode scanning via Meditech computer system at OU Medical Center 93% of the DNase prescribed in 2005 was for non Cystic fibrosis patients with an estimated yearly cost of $341,968.15.In vitro studies showed that the effect of Dnase was minimal on sputum viscosity when compared to Hypertonic saline . Furthermore recent studies on hypertonic saline in cystic fibrosis patients showed that it is an inexpensive and safe therapy when preceded by a bronchodilator in patients with cystic fibrosis.

We hereby propose a prospective randomized trial to compare the efficacy of hypertonic saline, DNase, vs. normal saline in the treatment of atelectasis in non cystic fibrosis, mechanically ventilated patient.

Detailed description:

Arms:
arm 1: Nebulized isotonic saline solution (4 ml of 0.9 % NaCl) twice daily, for a fixed period of 15 min, after a 15 min premedication with nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg diluted in 3 ml of 0.9 % NaCl). arm 2: Nebulized hypertonic saline solution (4 ml of 7 % NaCl) twice daily, for a fixed period of 15 min, after a 15 min premedication with nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg diluted in 3 ml of 0.9 % NaCl). arm 3: 2.5 mg of DNase (Dornase alpha, PULMOZYME® , Genentech, South San Francisco, CA), nebulized twice daily, after a 15 min premedication with nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg diluted in 3 ml of 0.9 % NaCl).

Interventions: intervention 1: Normal saline: intervention 2: Hypertonic Saline intervention 3: Dornase alpha
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Nebulized isotonic saline solution (4 ml of 0.9 % NaCl) twice daily, for a fixed period of 15 min, after a 15 min premedication with nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg diluted in 3 ml of 0.9 % NaCl). intervention 2: Nebulized hypertonic saline solution (4 ml of 7 % NaCl) twice daily, for a fixed period of 15 min, after a 15 min premedication with nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg diluted in 3 ml of 0.9 % NaCl). intervention 3: 2.5 mg of DNase (Dornase alpha, PULMOZYME® , Genentech, South San Francisco, CA), nebulized twice daily, after a 15 min premedication with nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg diluted in 3 ml of 0.9 % NaCl).

Protocol document: