ORAL ACETYLCYSTEINE REDUCES EXACERBATION RATE IN CHRONIC-BRONCHITIS - REPORT OF A TRIAL ORGANIZED BY THE SWEDISH SOCIETY FOR PULMONARY-DISEASES

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  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 64  (6) , 405-415
Abstract
This multicenter trial was undertaken to confirm previous results indicating that long-term treatment with oral acetylcysteine reduces the exacerbation rate in patients with chronic bronchitis. Patients (285), smokers or ex-smokers, with chronic bronchitis, started a pre-trial placebo-period of 1 mo. After this run-in period, 259 patients were included in the trial and randomized into 2 parallel groups. The patients were treated in a double-blind way either with acetylcysteine 200 mg b.i.d. [twice a day] or placebo b.i.d. for 6 mo. The trial was completed by 98 patients in the acetylcysteine group and by 105 patients in the placebo group. Initially, there were no significant differences between the groups. Twice weekly, the patients filled in a diary card concerning symptoms. The number of exacerbations was assessed from these cards and at visits 2, 4 and 6 mo. after institution of therapy. The exacerbation rate was significantly lower in the acetylcysteine group in which 40% of the patients remained free from exacerbations compared to 19% in the placebo group. Sick-leave due to acute exacerbation was significanlty less common in the acetylcysteine group. The drug was well tolerated.

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