Effect of nebulised acetylcysteine on sputum quality and diagnostic yield

Abstract

Background: Acetylcysteine acts as a mucolytic by cleaving disulfide bonds in mucoprotein and decreasing sputum viscosity. Mucolysis should lead to easier expectoration and improved sputum sample quality for microbiological analysis. Aim: To compare an effect size for the efficacy of nebulised acetylcysteine and sodium chloride 0.9% in the procurement of good quality sputum samples. Method: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study in the emergency department. Adults with probable lower respiratory tract infection requiring sputum sampling were enrolled. Patients were randomised to receive acetylcysteine 1 g or sodium chloride 0.9% (placebo) via nebuliser. Patients, emergenc..