The influence of Flutter®VRP1 components on mucus transport of patients with bronchiectasis.

Background: The Flutter(®)VRP1 combines high frequency oscillation and positive expiratory pressure (PEP).

Objective: To separately evaluate the effect of the Flutter(®)VRP1 components (high frequency oscillation and PEP) on mucus transportability in patients with bronchiectasis.

Methods: Eighteen patients with bronchiectasis received sessions with the Flutter(®)VRP1 or PEP for 30 min daily in a randomized, crossover study.

Adhesiveness and purulence of respiratory secretions: implications for mucociliary transport in patients with bronchiectasis.

Objective: To analyze and compare the transport properties of respiratory secretions, classified by selected parameters, in individuals with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis.

Methods: We collected mucus samples from 35 individuals with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis. The samples were first classified by their surface properties (adhesive or nonadhesive), as well as by their aspect (mucoid or purulent).