Evaluation of Inhaled Dornase Alfa Administration in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patients at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center

Abstract

Purpose: The use of dornase alfa in a non-cystic fibrosis population has been proposed to help improve atelectasis and secretions. Data evaluating dornase alfa in a non-cystic fibrosis population are limited, and the prescribing practices at a tertiary academic medical center are unknown.

Methods: Adult patients ≥18 years of age were included if they received inhaled dornase alfa. Patients were excluded if they had cystic fibrosis. Data collected included demographic data, dornase alfa prescribing patterns, concomitant inhaled therapy, blood gas data, and documented efficacy and safety data.

Results: Seventy-six orders for dornase alfa therapy were included in the analysis. Of the patients, 18% had asthma and 19% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Seventy-seven percent of the patients received concomitant inhaled therapy. Eighty-three percent of orders were for 2.5 mg of dornase alfa twice daily. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of doses received per patient was 6 (4-13) with a median (IQR) duration of 3 (2-7) days. After inhaled dornase alfa administration, 11% of patients were able to cough productively. No safety issues related to inhaled dornase alfa therapy were noted.

Conclusions: Inhaled dornase alfa is commonly prescribed to improve atelectasis and secretions in a non-cystic fibrosis patient population at a tertiary academic medical center.

Keywords: atelectasis; critical care; dornase alfa; inhalation.