Last Updated : June 14, 2019
Details
FilesProject Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Summary with Critical Appraisal
Project Number:
RC1135-000
Question
- What is the comparative clinical effectiveness of acetylcysteine versus other treatments for patients requiring mucous secretion clearance?
- What is the evidence regarding the safety of acetylcysteine when used for patients requiring mucous secretion clearance?
- What is the comparative clinical effectiveness of nebulized acetylcysteine versus oral acetylcysteine for patients requiring mucous secretion clearance?
Key Message
Relevant clinical effectiveness data were sparse. Mucous expectoration, mucous viscosity, and oxygenation tended to improve with acetylcysteine (NAC) compared with isotonic saline (IS), however the between-group differences were either not statistically significant or statistical significance was not reported.For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic bronchitis, or hospitalized patients with acute lung disease, findings were variable with respect to adverse events for treatment with NAC compared with placebo, and definitive conclusions were not possible. Other safety-related outcomes for the comparison of NAC versus placebo, such as hospitalization, atelectasis, and mortality, were sparsely reported and results were variable. Similarly, evidence for the safety of NAC compared to IS was sparse and definite conclusions were not possible.No relevant evidence regarding the comparative clinical effectiveness of nebulized NAC versus oral NAC for patients requiring mucous secretion clearance were identified.
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Last Updated : June 14, 2019