Clinical impacts of azithromycin on lung function and cytokines for athmatic patients
- VernacularTitle:阿奇霉素对支气管哮喘患者肺功能及细胞因子的影响
- Author:
Jian HE
;
Ning ZHU
;
Xiaodong CHEN
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
asthma;
azithromycin;
induced sputum;
cytokines
- From:
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences
2009;36(6):719-722
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy, impacts on lung function and cytokines, and safety of azithromycin on the treatment for asthma. Methods Forty patients with asthma were randomized equally to receive azithromycin combined with inhaled cortisteroid (ICS) plus long-acting β_2-agonists (LABA), or only ICS plus LABA for 12 weeks. We evaluated the clinical efficacy including asthma control test scores and lung function, cytokines in induced-sputum including interleukin-4, interleukin-5 and interferon-γ, and the safety of azithromycin. Results After 12 weeks, asthma control test (ACT) scores and lung function were improved obviously, and concentrations of IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-γ in induced-sputum were reduced significantly in both groups. Comparing with the control group, the decline of cytokines in induced-sputum was much more significant in patients treated with azithromycin. No severe adverse events were found in both groups. Conclusions Azithromycin combined with ICS plus LABA is an effective and safe treatment for asthma, which could significantly reduce the level of cytokines elaborated from Th2-type cells in the airways.
