Sensitivity and Safety of Bronchial Provocation Test Using 10% Hypertonic Sodium Chloride Solution as an Activator among Children with Chronic Cough

Abstract

Objective: To observe the sensitivity of bronchial provocation test (BPT) by using 10% versus 4.5% hypertonic sodium chloride solution as activators in children with chronic cough, in order to investigate the feasibility of 10% hypertonic sodium chloride solution as an activator in BPT.

Methods: Forty-six children with chronic cough who received inpatient treatment in Affiliated Children's Hospital of Kunming Medical University from August 2016 to March 2017 were selected as the subjects and divided into group A (24 cases) and group B (22 cases) using random number table. BPT was performed in group A with 10% sodium chloride solution as the activator and in group B with 4.5% sodium chloride solution as the activator. Pulmonary function test was performed in both groups before and after BPT. The results of SaO2, FEV1, peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) of the two groups, and positive rate and adverse reactions of BPT were recorded.

Results: The positive rate of BPT in group A was higher than that of group B [91.7%(22/24) vs. 45.5%(10/22)] (P<0.05). The values of SaO2, FEV1, PEF and MMEF did not differ significantly between two groups in those with BPT positive results before and after BPT (P>0.05). All the values of SaO2, FEV1, PEF and MMEF decreased substantially in both groups after BPT (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of adverse reactions associated with BPT between group A [12.5%(3/24)] and group B [4.5%(1/22)] (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Using 10% hypertonic sodium chloride solution as an activator for BPT, children with chronic cough will have a higher possibility to be identified with BPT positive results without increasing the rate of adverse reactions.