BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTION AFTER NEBULIZED TOBRAMYCIN PREPARATIONS AND SALINE IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

To assess the airway response to inhaled tobramycin we measured flow v olume curves in 12 patients with cystic fibrosis. Immediately and/or 2 min after tobramycin inhalations there was a significant fall in lung function regardless of the concentration used; isotonic saline caused similar obstruction but not a complete cessation of peripheral airflo ws. The baseline oxygen saturation was significantly correlated with t he fall in lung function. Ten minutes after inhalation lung function t ests returned to baseline values. Conclusion As salbutamol could signi ficantly reduce airway obstruction tobramycin should always be inhaled in combination with a bronchodilator.