Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer
08:47

Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer

Published on: April 21, 2022

Recombinant human DNase nebulisation in children with cystic fibrosis: before bedtime or after waking up?

L J van der Giessen1, R Gosselink, W C J Hop

  • 1Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. l.vandergiessen@erasmusmc.nl

The European Respiratory Journal
|June 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Nebulizing recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase) before bed is as effective and safe as taking it after waking up for cystic fibrosis patients on maintenance therapy. This finding offers flexibility for rhDNase treatment timing in CF care.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, primarily the lungs.
  • Recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase) is a key therapy for CF, improving lung function.
  • Optimizing rhDNase administration timing is crucial for patient adherence and treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and safety of nebulizing rhDNase before bedtime versus after waking up.
  • To evaluate the impact of rhDNase timing on pulmonary function and nocturnal symptoms in CF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover study design.
  • Inclusion criteria: CF diagnosis, stable condition, and rhDNase maintenance therapy.
  • Primary endpoint: Maximal instantaneous forced flow (MEF(25%)); Secondary endpoints: Nocturnal cough, oxygen saturation.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in MEF(25%) between morning and bedtime rhDNase nebulization.
  • No significant differences observed in nocturnal cough frequency or arterial oxygen saturation.
  • The study included 24 patients aged 6-19 years on rhDNase maintenance therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Nebulizing rhDNase before bedtime is equally effective and safe as administering it after waking up for CF patients.
  • Treatment timing flexibility can be offered to patients on maintenance rhDNase therapy.
  • This finding supports improved patient convenience without compromising therapeutic outcomes in cystic fibrosis management.

More Related Videos

Nasal Potential Difference to Quantify Trans-epithelial Ion Transport in Mice08:55

Nasal Potential Difference to Quantify Trans-epithelial Ion Transport in Mice

Published on: July 4, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Inhaled Medications01:23

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...