RESUMO
BACKGROUND: High dose N acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent has been shown to significantly reduce exacerbations, and improve quality of life in placebo controlled, double blind randomised (RCT) studies in patients with COPD, and in an open, randomised study in bronchiectasis. In this pilot, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we wished to investigate the feasibility of a larger clinical trial, and the anti-inflammatory and clinical benefits of high dose NAC in bronchiectasis. AIMS: Primary outcome: to assess the efficacy of NAC 2400 mg/day at 6 weeks on sputum neutrophil elastase (NE), a surrogate marker for exacerbations. Secondary aims included assessing the efficacy of NAC on sputum MUC5B, IL-8, lung function, quality of life, and adverse effects. METHODS: Participants were randomised to receive 2400 mg or placebo for 6 weeks. They underwent 3 visits: at baseline, week 3 and week 6 where clinical and sputum measurements were assessed. RESULTS: The study was stopped early due to the COVID pandemic. In total 24/30 patients were recruited, of which 17 completed all aspects of the study. Given this, a per protocol analysis was undertaken: NAC (n = 9) vs placebo (n = 8): mean age 72 vs 62 years; male gender: 44% vs 50%; baseline median FEV11.56 L (mean 71.5 % predicted) vs 2.29L (mean 82.2% predicted). At 6 weeks, sputum NE fell by 47% in the NAC group relative to placebo (mean fold difference (95%CI: 0.53 (0.12,2.42); MUC5B increased by 48% with NAC compared with placebo. Lung function, FVC improved significantly with NAC compared with placebo at 6 weeks (mean fold difference (95%CI): 1.10 (1.00, 1.20), p = 0.045. Bronchiectasis Quality of life measures within the respiratory and social functioning domains demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements, with social functioning reaching statistical significance. Adverse effects were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: High dose NAC exhibits anti-inflammatory benefits, and improvements in aspects of quality of life and lung function measures. It is safe and well tolerated. Further larger placebo controlled RCT's are now warranted examining its role in reducing exacerbations.