Klinisch-experimentelle Sputumuntersuchungen bei chronischer Bronchitis

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Abstract
Sputum tests in 35 patients some of whom had also severe silicosis were carried out by cytological, bacteriological, and electrophoretic methods. In addition the viscosity, Na and K content and the surface tension were estimated. A raised relative content of eosinophils in the sputum was found in the majority of cases but there was no relation between the numbers in the sputum and in the blood. The average Na and K content was estimated at 106. 7 mEq/l, and 21. 5 mEq/l respectively; the proportion of Na/K was 4. 9 on the average but fell in purulent sputum to 1. 5: 1. Haemo-philus influenzae was found to be the most frequent causative organism followed by haemolytic Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Protein fractions were separated by paper electrophoresis; their dissimilarity was related to the differing forms of chronic bronchitis. The viscosity of the sputum was measured by a rotation viscosimeter. The viscosity of mainly purulent sputa was lower than that of the more mucous forms. The surface tension was measured with an interfacial tensiometer. The average at 37[degree]C was 56. 2 dyn/cm-1 but no relationship was found between viscosity and surface tension. These findings are discussed with reference to a possible disorder of bronchial secretion in chronic bronchitis. The therapeutic effect of Prednisone in combination with Tetracycline, Tetracycline alone, and that of a new expectorant (N-Cyclohexyl-N-methyl (2 amino-3, 4, -dibrombenzyl) ammonium chloride (Bisolvon) was investigated and the results discussed.