Hi Terri. The two studies were designed for different purposes. As you know, the saline chart one studies concentrations of saline which allow different mycobacterium to survive. The bacteria along with various concentrations of saline were put in cultures and watched for 4 weeks. At the end of that period, the researchers tested to see which bacteria were alive.The best study for us would have been to test the saline concentrations on animals and then people or at the least on sputum. This study doesn't prove that nebulized saline treatment of any concentration kills bacteria in our lungs. I think most if us believe it does, but this study, which doesn't use patients, doesn't prove that.

The 0.9% v 6% study was conducted on two groups of people who do the same amount of airway clearance and was designed to discover if treatment with one concentration is superior to the other. It was not designed specifically for mycobacterium eradication through saline nebulization. Previous tests had shown that .9% was not effective with respect to cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients. This study was to see if the same results would occur with non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients. The results proved that .9% is just as effective for non cf patients as 6%.

For those, like you, who tolerate 7%, this study is not important. For me, it is the best news wrt my airway clearance treatment that I could have.

Stay safe! Rita