Pulmonary Disease

Answer 4 rhDNase cleaves the extracellular DNA from the neutrophils in sputum to make it less viscous. Recombinant human DNase is given in aerosol form in a dose of 2.5 mg once or twice daily. The rhDNase decreases the viscosity of sputum by digesting the neutrophil DNA. Although rhDNase can reduce the frequency of infections, the need for parenteral antibiotics, and the length of hospital stay, it does not have any antibacterial or bronchodilatory actions. Various mucolytics have been used in CF patients to clear the thick secretion. Mucolytics can be used in both oral and aerosol forms to liquefy the hyperviscous airway secretions. N-acetylcysteine has been used as an aerosol. It acts by breaking the sulfydryl bonds of mucus glycoproteins, thereby reducing the viscosity of sputum. Its use has been limited, however, because of its offensive odor and tendency to cause bronchospasm. Click here to return to the questions

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