The use of buffered L-arginine in the treatment of cystic fibrosis

Buffered L-arginine was administered to 22 patients with cystic fibrosis in an attempt to improve pulmonary function and fat absorption. Arginine was selected because of its low toxicity, ability to break hydrogen bonds, bind metal ions, and act as a detergent. When arginine was administered by inhalation as an ultrasonicated mist to eight patients with chronic lung diseases, improvements occurred in vital capacity, thoracic gas volume, specific conductance, and arterial Po2. Oral administration of arginine to patients with predominantly gastrointestinal symptomatology resulted in rapid relief of abdominal pain, weight gain in all the patients treated in this fashion, and improved fat absorption in 11 out of 14 patients. There were no important side effects attributable to the inhalation or oral administration of buffered arginine.