NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Inhalation of a sugar called mannitol improves lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis, a serious genetic disorder characterized by abnormally thick mucus secretions in the lungs and other organs, according to a report by Australian researchers in the journal Chest.

Anna Jaques, of Pharmaxis Ltd. in Frenchs Forest, New South Wales and colleagues explain that inhaled mannitol works by drawing fluid into the lungs, which dilutes the thick secretions in the air passages. These diluted secretions are easier for the patients to clear from their lungs.

The investigators analyzed the benefits and safety of inhaled mannitol therapy in 39 patients with mild-to-moderate cystic fibrosis who were assigned to receive the sugar or inactive "placebo" twice daily for 2 weeks. After a 2-week break, patients treated with mannitol switched to placebo and vice-versa.

Treatment with mannitol significantly improved the patients' ability to move air in their lungs. In addition, mannitol therapy improved several aspects of quality of life, particularly respiratory health.

No serious side effects were seen with mannitol, the authors note.

SOURCE: Chest, June 2008.