Diagnostic yield and safety of sputum induction with nebulized racemic salbutamol versus hypertonic saline in smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis

Conclusions: SI by nebulized racemic salbutamol solution offers equal benefits to 3% NaCl solution in increasing both sputum quantity and diagnostic yield in smear-negative patients suspected of having pulmonary TB. Nebulized racemic salbutamol does not produce bronchospasm and chest tightness occurs less frequently than with 3% NaCl. Therefore, SI with nebulized racemic salbutamol solution should be considered as a good alternative noninvasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB when hypertonic saline is unavailable or contraindicated.
Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Original Research Source Type: research