Patrón inflamatorio de las vías aéreas en pacientes fumadores con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Inflammatory pattern of the airways in COPD smokers

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica cursa con un patrón inflamatorio en la vía aérea que incluye neutrófilos, macrófagos, linfocitos, los cuales se pueden obtener mediante un cepillado bronquial citológico. Objetivos: Identificar patrón inflamatorio según células inflamatorias presentes en la vía aérea, mediante el cepillado bronquial citológico e índice tabáquico de paquetes/año en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, que concurrieron al Hospital Neumológico Benéfico-Jurídico, en el período comprendido de junio de 2018 a junio de 2019, con indicación para la realización de fibrobroncoscopía con cepillado bronquial. Resultados: El 53,1 por ciento de los pacientes corresponden al sexo masculino. Un 46,1 por ciento presentó un índice tabáquico de paquetes/año entre 21-40. Predominaron las criptas y estrías como hallazgos broncoscópicos con un 51 por ciento y 40,8 por ciento respectivamente en pacientes con índice paquetes/año mayor que 40. De los pacientes con índice paquetes/año mayor de 40 (13 para un 26,5 por ciento) presentaron hiperplasia de células basales. El 46,9 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron un patrón inflamatorio neutrofílica. Conclusiones: Se identificaron a los pacientes con EPOC que presentaron patrón inflamatorio neutrofílica en la vía aérea y elevado índice tabáquico y desde el punto de vista broncoscópico tienen varios hallazgos que sugieren cronicidad(AU)

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents with an inflammatory pattern in the airway that includes neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which can be obtained by cytological bronchial brushing. Objectives: To identify inflammatory pattern according to inflammatory cells present in the airway, through cytological bronchial brushing and smoking rate of packs/year in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who attended Benefico-Jurídico Pneumological Hospital, from June 2018 to June 2019, with an indication for fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchial brushing. Results: 53.1percent of the patients correspond to the male sex. 46.1percent ad a smoking rate of packs/year between 21-40. Crypts and striae predominated as bronchoscopic findings with 51percent and 40.8percent respectively in patients with a pack/year index greater than 40. Patients with a pack/year index greater than 40 (13 for 26.5percent) showed basal cell hyperplasia. 46.9percent of the patients had a neutrophilic inflammatory pattern. Conclusions: Patients with COPD who had a neutrophilic inflammatory pattern in the airway and high smoking index were identified, and from the bronchoscopic point of view they have several findings that suggest chronicity(AU)

Caracterización del asma grave no controlada en adultos mayores de 60 años

Introducción: Los pacientes mayores de 60 años suelen tener un asma más grave, menos controlada y peor función pulmonar que los jóvenes. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes mayores de 60 años con asma grave no controlada. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal en el Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico en el período comprendido entre enero del 2020 y enero del 2021. Resultados: Edad predominante 60-69 años (76,5 %). Mujeres (61,8 %). Antecedentes familiares de asma o alergia (64,7 %). Asma de larga evolución (85,3 %). Asma asociada a obesidad y mal control (55,9 %). Reversibilidad del VEF1 (volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo) después de la aplicación del broncodilatador (26,5 %). Adherencia al tratamiento (61,8 %). El riesgo futuro de resultados adversos fue bajo en el 58,8 %, es el principal factor, el mal control actual en el 100 %. Conclusiones: El asma grave no controlada en mayores de 60 años es más frecuente en el sexo femenino, los pacientes suelen tener antecedentes familiares de asma o alergia, presentar asma de larga evolución, obesidad asociada al mal control, disminución de la reversibilidad del VEF1 con la aplicación del broncodilatador, mala adherencia al tratamiento y el mal control actual como riesgo futuro de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Patients older than 60 years tend to have more severe, less controlled asthma and worse lung function than younger people. Objective: To characterize patients older than 60 years with severe uncontrolled asthma. Methods: A descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional observational study was carried out at Benéfico Jurídico Pneumological Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021. Results: The age group 60-69 years (76.5%) predominated. Women also predominated (61.8%), as well as family history of asthma or allergy (64.7%), and long-standing asthma (85.3%). Asthma associated with obesity and poor control was 55.9%. The reversibility of the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) after the application of the bronchodilator was 26.5%. The adherence to treatment was 61.8%. The future risk of adverse results was low (58.8%), which is the main factor, the current poor control in 100%. Conclusions: Severe uncontrolled asthma in people over 60 years of age is more frequent in women, patients usually have family history of asthma or allergy, there is long-term asthma. It was observed that obesity is associated with poor control, the decreased FEV1 reversibility with the application of the bronchodilator, poor adherence to treatment and poor current control as a future risk of the disease.

Caracterización clínico-espirométrica de pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos / Clinical-spirometric characterization of asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms

Introducción: Los síntomas nocturnos son frecuentes en asmáticos y pueden relacionarse con la gravedad, el grado de control del asma y la función pulmonar. Objetivos: Determinar las características demográficas, clínicas y espirométricas de pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos, que acuden a consulta externa de neumología. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 50 pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos, atendidos por consulta externa en el Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico, en el período comprendido de mayo de 2017 a mayo de 2018. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (74,0 por ciento), la edad entre 40 y 59 años (52,0 por ciento), los antecedentes familiares de asma o alergia (60,0 por ciento) y múltiples comorbilidades asociadas (78,0 por ciento). La hipersomnia diurna estuvo presente en 80,0 por ciento de los casos, con una frecuencia significativamente elevada en pacientes con asma persistente moderada y severa, disminución de la reversibilidad aguda al broncodilatador, mal control de la enfermedad y limitación de la actividad física. Conclusiones: Los síntomas nocturnos en los pacientes asmáticos son frecuentes y se relacionan con la hipersomnia diurna, la gravedad del asma, el grado de control, la respuesta al broncodilatador y limitación de la actividad física(AU)

Introduction: Nighttime symptoms are frequent in asthmatics and can be related to severity, degree of asthma control and lung function. Objectives: To determine the demographic, clinical and spirometric characteristics of asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms, who go to an outpatient pulmonology clinic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms, they were assisted in the outpatient consultation at the Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico, from May 2017 to May 2018. Results: Female sex (74.0 percent), age ranging 40 and 59 years (52.0 percent), family history of asthma or allergy (60.0 percent) and multiple associated comorbidities (78.0 percent) predominated. Daytime hypersomnia was present in 80.0 percent of cases, with significantly elevated frequency in patients with moderate and severe persistent asthma, decreased acute reversibility to the bronchodilator, poor disease control, and limited physical activity. Conclusions: Nocturnal symptoms in asthmatic patients are frequent and are related to daytime hypersomnia, asthma severity, degree of control, response to the bronchodilator and limitation of physical activity(AU)

Estudio del estado clínico-funcional en pacientes asmáticos / Study of the clinical and functional conditions of asthmatic patients

Introducción: Las principales alteraciones funcionales del asma bronquial son la obstrucción del flujo aéreo, su reversibilidad, variabilidad y la hiperrespuesta bronquial. Objetivo: Determinar el estado clínico-funcional en pacientes con asma que asisten por primera vez a consulta de neumología. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con 110 pacientes que asistieron por primera vez y fueron atendidos por asma en la consulta externa del Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico (HNBJ) en el año 2014-2015, se comprobó por la clínica y la espirometría la severidad de la enfermedad. Entre las variables de estudio están: edad, sexo, antecedentes patológicos familiares de asma o alergia, índice de masa corporal, gravedad o severidad del asma. Resultados: Predominó el asma de mayor gravedad entre los pacientes comprendidos entre los 40-59 años, con riesgo 4,4 veces superior en mayores de 40 años. El sexo femenino presentó 2,1 veces más riesgo. El 75,5 por ciento de pacientes tenía antecedentes patológicos familiares (APF) de asma o alergia y riesgo 3,4 veces superior de mayor gravedad. Más de la mitad presentó antecedentes patológicos personales (APP) de otras enfermedades y mayor proporción de asma de mayor gravedad. El 53.6 por ciento presentó sobrepeso u obesidad y 4,1 veces más riesgo de mayor gravedad. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentó adicción tabáquica. Conclusiones: Los pacientes mayores de 40 años, sexo femenino y con APF de asma o alergia, presentan asma de mayor gravedad. La obesidad es frecuente en pacientes asmáticos y constituye un riesgo importante de padecer asma más grave. Existe bajo porcentaje de asmáticos fumadores aunque esta condición favorece a padecer un asma más grave(AU)

Introduction: The main functional alterations in bronchial asthma are the obstruction of the air flow, its reversibility, variability, and bronchial hyper- responsiveness. Objective: To determine the clinical and functional conditions in patients with asthma who go to the outpatient pneumology service for the first time. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 110 patients with asthma that were treated for the first time in the outpatient department of the Pneumology Service at the "Benéfico Jurídico" Teaching Hospital in Havana from June 1st,2014 to June 31st,2015. The severity of asthma was confirmed by clinical diagnosis and spirometric tests. The variables consisted of age, sex, family pathological antecedents of asthma or allergy, body mass index, and seriousness or severity of asthma. Results: The most serious asthma prevailed in patients aged 40 to 59 years, and the patients 40 years old and older presented 4.4 times higher risks. The female sex exhibited 2.1 times higher risks. 75.5 percent of patients with family pathological antecedents (FPA) of asthma or allergy showed 3.4 times higher risk levels for more serious conditions. More than half of patients presented personal pathological antecedents (PPA) of other diseases and a more serious asthma. 53.6 percent were overweight or obese who were 4.1 times at higher risks of suffering from more serious conditions. Most patients did not report smoking addiction. Conclusions: Asthmatic patients over 40 years showed a more serious asthma during their first visit to the outpatient pneumology service, and the female sex prevailed. Asthma or allergy, FPA and PPA were the risk factors for suffering from both asthma and more serious conditions. There is a low percentage of smoking asthmatics although this condition provokes more serious symptoms(AU)

Mycobacteriosis pulmonar. Presentación de dos casos quirúrgicos / Lung mycobacteriosis. Presentation of two surgical cases

Introducción: la Mycobacteriosis es una enfermedad producida por Mycobacterias ambientales, su diagnóstico hasta hace pocos años era un hecho ocasional, actualmente ha pasado a ser una patología relativamente frecuente, sobre todo en los pacientes SIDA y asociada a enfermedades pulmonares crónicas. Requiere tratamientos agresivos y prolongados, así como la exéresis quirúrgica en casos de afección pulmonar localizada. Objetivo: determinar la importancia de la cirugía como tratamiento alternativo en caso de fracaso del tratamiento farmacológico.Presentación de los casos: se presentan dos casos con diagnóstico de Mycobacteriosis ambiental, por Mycobacterium Avium. Pacientes con síntomas respiratorios de larga fecha de evolución, principalmente tos y expectoración, asociado a fiebre. En el segundo caso se recoge el antecedente de neumonías frecuentes durante la infancia, con diagnóstico de Bronquiectasias. En ambos se les aisló en el cultivo del esputo un Mycobacterium Avium, la prueba de Mantoux resultó negativa (0 mm) y en los estudios imagenológicos se presentan las formas típicas de esta enfermedad, dadas por lesiones fibrocavitarias en los lóbulos superiores.Conclusiones: en los casos presentados, hubo fracaso en el tratamiento farmacológico recomendados en la actualidad, manteniendo cultivos de esputo positivos a Mycobacterium Avium. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico, obteniendo resultados positivos, con esputos negativos y mejoría del estado clínico(AU)

Introduction. Mycobacteriosis is a disease caused by environmental mycobacteria, until a few years ago its diagnosis was an occasional event. Today it has become a relatively frequent pathology, mainly in patients with AIDS and associated to chronic lung diseases. It requires aggressive treatments as well as surgical exeresis in the event of localized lung affections. Objective. determine the importance of the surgery as an alternative treatment when the pharmacological treatment fails. Case Presentation. two cases were presented with a diagnosis of environmental mycobacteriosis, caused by Mycobacterium Avium. Patients had respiratory symptoms of long evolution, mainly cough, expectoration, and associated fever. In the second case there were records of frequent pneumonias during childhood with diagnosed bronchiecstasias. In both cases in the sputum culture the Mycobacterium Avium was isolated, the Mantoux test was negative (0 mm) and in the radiological studies there were shapes that are usually seen in this disease caused by fibrocavitary lesions in the upper lobes. Conclusions. in the cases that were presented the pharmacological treatment normally recommended at present times failed, and the sputum cultures positive to Mycobacterium Avium persisted. Surgical treatment was conducted with positive results, negative sputums and improvement in the clinical condition(AU)

Mycobacteriosis pulmonar. Presentación de dos casos quirúrgicos / Lung mycobacteriosis. Presentation of two surgical cases

Introducción: la Mycobacteriosis es una enfermedad producida por Mycobacterias ambientales, su diagnóstico hasta hace pocos años era un hecho ocasional, actualmente ha pasado a ser una patología relativamente frecuente, sobre todo en los pacientes SIDA y asociada a enfermedades pulmonares crónicas. Requiere tratamientos agresivos y prolongados, así como la exéresis quirúrgica en casos de afección pulmonar localizada. Objetivo: determinar la importancia de la cirugía como tratamiento alternativo en caso de fracaso del tratamiento farmacológico. Presentación de los casos: se presentan dos casos con diagnóstico de Mycobacteriosis ambiental, por Mycobacterium Avium. Pacientes con síntomas respiratorios de larga fecha de evolución, principalmente tos y expectoración, asociado a fiebre. En el segundo caso se recoge el antecedente de neumonías frecuentes durante la infancia, con diagnóstico de Bronquiectasias. En ambos se les aisló en el cultivo del esputo un Mycobacterium Avium, la prueba de Mantoux resultó negativa (0 mm) y en los estudios imagenológicos se presentan las formas típicas de esta enfermedad, dadas por lesiones fibrocavitarias en los lóbulos superiores. Conclusiones: en los casos presentados, hubo fracaso en el tratamiento farmacológico recomendados en la actualidad, manteniendo cultivos de esputo positivos a Mycobacterium Avium. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico, obteniendo resultados positivos, con esputos negativos y mejoría del estado clínico.

Introduction. Mycobacteriosis is a disease caused by environmental mycobacteria, until a few years ago its diagnosis was an occasional event. Today it has become a relatively frequent pathology, mainly in patients with AIDS and associated to chronic lung diseases. It requires aggressive treatments as well as surgical exeresis in the event of localized lung affections. Objective. determine the importance of the surgery as an alternative treatment when the pharmacological treatment fails. Case Presentation. two cases were presented with a diagnosis of environmental mycobacteriosis, caused by Mycobacterium Avium. Patients had respiratory symptoms of long evolution, mainly cough, expectoration, and associated fever. In the second case there were records of frequent pneumonias during childhood with diagnosed bronchiecstasias. In both cases in the sputum culture the Mycobacterium Avium was isolated, the Mantoux test was negative (0 mm) and in the radiological studies there were shapes that are usually seen in this disease caused by fibrocavitary lesions in the upper lobes. Conclusions. in the cases that were presented the pharmacological treatment normally recommended at present times failed, and the sputum cultures positive to Mycobacterium Avium persisted. Surgical treatment was conducted with positive results, negative sputums and improvement in the clinical condition.

Neumonía tuberculosa. Presentación de caso / Tuberculous pneumonia. Case presentation

Introducción: la Neumonía Tuberculosa es una forma infrecuente y grave de presentación de la tuberculosis pulmonar, cuyas características clínicas inducen al diagnóstico erróneo de Neumonía bacteriana, especialmente al diagnóstico de Neumonía neumoccócica.Objetivo: actualización de una entidad poco frecuente a través de la presentación de un caso con diagnóstico confirmado. Presentación del caso: presentamos el caso de una paciente de 22 años de procedencia extranjera con el diagnóstico de neumonía tuberculosa, hospitalizada en el Servicio de Tisiología de mujeres del Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico. La paciente consultó por fiebre mayor de 380c, tos seca y síntomas generales. Al examen físico, se encontró un típico síndrome de condensación pulmonar. La radiografía de tórax reveló una consolidación del espacio aéreo del lóbulo superior derecho con broncograma aéreo. El hematocrito fue de 0.35 por ciento, leucocitos en cifras normales: 8x 109/l , la vsg en 138 mms/h . Mantoux en 18 mm y el primer examen del esputo BAAR directo codificación 8 y cultivo 6.Conclusiones: la paciente recibió tratamiento antituberculoso de primera línea, con magnífica respuesta clínica, radiológica y bacteriológica(AU)

Introduction: the TB pneumonia is an infrequent serious manifestation of the lung TB, whose clinical features lead to the erroneous diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia, particularly to the diagnosis pneumococcal pneumonia. Objective: Our objective was to update an infrequent entity through the presentation of a case with confirmed diagnosis. Presentation of the case: we are presenting the case of a foreign 22-year-old female patient with TB pneumonia diagnosis who was hospitalized under the TB services for women at Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico in the TB Service. The patient had fever higher than 38°C, dry coughing, and dyspnea and symptoms in general. During the physical exam the typical syndrome of lung condensation was found. The thorax x-ray revealed a consolidation of the air space in the right high lobe with air bronchogram. The hematocrit measurement of 0.35 percent, leucocytes with normal count: 8x10(9,) eritrosedimentation at 138 mms/h. Mantoux at 18 mm and the first sputum exam with direct BAAR with 8 coding and culture at 6. Conclusions: patient received anti TB treatment of first line with a great clinical, radiological and bacteriological response(AU)

Neumonía tuberculosa. Presentación de caso / Tuberculous pneumonia. Case presentation

Introducción: la Neumonía Tuberculosa es una forma infrecuente y grave de presentación de la tuberculosis pulmonar, cuyas características clínicas inducen al diagnóstico erróneo de Neumonía bacteriana, especialmente al diagnóstico de Neumonía neumoccócica. Objetivo: actualización de una entidad poco frecuente a través de la presentación de un caso con diagnóstico confirmado. Presentación del caso: presentamos el caso de una paciente de 22 años de procedencia extranjera con el diagnóstico de neumonía tuberculosa, hospitalizada en el Servicio de Tisiología de mujeres del Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico. La paciente consultó por fiebre mayor de 38(0)c, tos seca y síntomas generales. Al examen físico, se encontró un típico síndrome de condensación pulmonar. La radiografía de tórax reveló una consolidación del espacio aéreo del lóbulo superior derecho con broncograma aéreo. El hematocrito fue de 0.35%, leucocitos en cifras normales: 8x 109/l , la vsg en 138 mms/h . Mantoux en 18 mm y el primer examen del esputo BAAR directo codificación 8 y cultivo 6. Conclusiones: la paciente recibió tratamiento antituberculoso de primera línea, con magnífica respuesta clínica, radiológica y bacteriológica.

Introduction: the TB pneumonia is an infrequent serious manifestation of the lung TB, whose clinical features lead to the erroneous diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia, particularly to the diagnosis pneumococcal pneumonia. Objective: Our objective was to update an infrequent entity through the presentation of a case with confirmed diagnosis. Presentation of the case: we are presenting the case of a foreign 22-year-old female patient with TB pneumonia diagnosis who was hospitalized under the TB services for women at Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico in the TB Service. The patient had fever higher than 38°C, dry coughing, and dyspnea and symptoms in general. During the physical exam the typical syndrome of lung condensation was found. The thorax x-ray revealed a consolidation of the air space in the right high lobe with air bronchogram. The hematocrit measurement of 0.35%, leucocytes with normal count: 8x10(9,) eritrosedimentation at 138 mms/h. Mantoux at 18 mm and the first sputum exam with direct BAAR with 8 coding and culture at 6. Conclusions: patient received anti TB treatment of first line with a great clinical, radiological and bacteriological response.

Adjuvant interferon gamma in patients with pulmonary atypical Mycobacteriosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: High antibiotic resistance is described in atypical Mycobacteriosis, mainly by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in two hospitals to evaluate the effect of interferon (IFN) gamma as immunoadjuvant to chemotherapy on patients with atypical mycobacteria lung disease. Patients received placebo or 1 x 106 IU recombinant human IFN gamma intramuscularly, daily for one month and then three times per week up to 6 months as adjuvant to daily oral azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, ethambutol and rifampin. Sputum samples collection for direct smear observation and culture as well as clinical and thorax radiography assessments were done during treatment and one year after. Cytokines and oxidative stress determinations were carried out in peripheral blood before and after treatment. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included in the IFN group and 14 received placebo. Groups were homogeneous at entry; average age was 60 years, 75% men, 84% white; MAC infection prevailed (94%). At the end of treatment, 72% of patients treated with IFN gamma were evaluated as complete responders, but only 36% in the placebo group. The difference was maintained during follow-up. A more rapid complete response was obtained in the IFN group (5 months before), with a significantly earlier improvement in respiratory symptoms and pulmonary lesions reduction. Disease-related deaths were 35.7% of the patients in the placebo group and only 11.1% in the IFN group. Three patients in the IFN group normalized their globular sedimentation rate values. Although differences in bacteriology were not significant during the treatment period, some patients in the placebo group converted again to positive during follow-up. Significant increments in serum TGF-beta and advanced oxidation protein products were observed in the placebo group but not among IFN receiving patients. Treatments were well tolerated. Flu-like symptoms predominated in the IFN gamma group. No severe events were recorded. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that IFN gamma is useful and well tolerated as adjuvant therapy in patients with pulmonary atypical Mycobacteriosis, predominantly MAC. Further wider clinical trials are encouraged. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN70900209.

Adjuvant interferon gamma in patients with pulmonary atypical Mycobacteriosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background High antibiotic resistance is described in atypical Mycobacteriosis, mainly by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in two hospitals to evaluate the effect of interferon (IFN) gamma as immunoadjuvant to chemotherapy on patients with atypical mycobacteria lung disease. Patients received placebo or 1 × 106 IU recombinant human IFN gamma intramuscularly, daily for one month and then three times per week up to 6 months as adjuvant to daily oral azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, ethambutol and rifampin. Sputum samples collection for direct smear observation and culture as well as clinical and thorax radiography assessments were done during treatment and one year after. Cytokines and oxidative stress determinations were carried out in peripheral blood before and after treatment. Results Eighteen patients were included in the IFN group and 14 received placebo. Groups were homogeneous at entry; average age was 60 years, 75 percent men, 84 percent white; MAC infection prevailed (94 percent). At the end of treatment, 72 percent of patients treated with IFN gamma were evaluated as complete responders, but only 36 percent in the placebo group. The difference was maintained during follow-up. A more rapid complete response was obtained in the IFN group (5 months before), with a significantly earlier improvement in respiratory symptoms and pulmonary lesions reduction. Disease-related deaths were 35.7 percent of the patients in the placebo group and only 11.1 percent in the IFN group. Three patients in the IFN group normalized their globular sedimentation rate values. Although differences in bacteriology were not significant during the treatment period, some patients in the placebo group converted again to positive during follow-up. Significant increments in serum TGF-beta and advanced oxidation protein products were observed in the placebo group but not among IFN... (AU)

Adjuvant interferon gamma in patients with drug - resistant pulmonary tuberculosis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is increasing in the world and drug-resistant (DR) disease beckons new treatments. METHODS: To evaluate the action of interferon (IFN) gamma as immunoadjuvant to chemotherapy on pulmonary DR-TB patients, a pilot, open label clinical trial was carried out in the Cuban reference ward for the management of this disease. The eight subjects existing in the country at the moment received, as in-patients, 1 x 10(6) IU of recombinant human IFN gamma intramuscularly, daily for one month and then three times per week up to 6 months as adjuvant to the indicated chemotherapy, according to their antibiograms and WHO guidelines. Sputum samples collection for direct smear observation and culture as well as routine clinical and thorax radiography assessments were done monthly. RESULTS: Sputum smears and cultures became negative for acid-fast-bacilli before three months of treatment in all patients. Lesion size was reduced at the end of 6 months treatment; the lesions disappeared in one case. Clinical improvement was also evident; body mass index increased in general. Interferon gamma was well tolerated. Few adverse events were registered, mostly mild; fever and arthralgias prevailed. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that IFN gamma is useful and well tolerated as adjunctive therapy in patients with DR-TB. Further controlled clinical trials are encouraged.

Adjuvant interferon gamma in patients with drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis: a pilot study

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is increasing in the world and drug-resistant (DR) disease beckons new treatments. Methods: To evaluate the action of interferon (IFN) gamma as immunoadjuvant to chemotherapy on pulmonary DR-TB patients, a pilot, open label clinical trial was carried out in the Cuban reference ward for the management of this disease. The eight subjects existing in the country at the moment received, as in-patients, 1 × 106 IU of recombinant human IFN gamma intramuscularly, daily for one month and then three times per week up to 6 months as adjuvant to the indicated chemotherapy, according to their antibiograms and WHO guidelines. Sputum samples collection for direct smear observation and culture as well as routine clinical and thorax radiography assessments were done monthly. Results: Sputum smears and cultures became negative for acid-fast-bacilli before three months of treatment in all patients. Lesion size was reduced at the end of 6 months treatment; the lesions disappeared in one case. Clinical improvement was also evident; body mass index increased in general. Interferon gamma was well tolerated. Few adverse events were registered, mostly mild; fever and arthralgias prevailed. Conclusions: These data suggest that IFN gamma is useful and well tolerated as adjunctive therapy in patients with DR-TB. Further controlled clinical trials are encouraged(AU)

Antecedentes: La tuberculosis (TB) es cada vez mayor en el mundo y resistente a fármacos (DR) atrae a nuevos tratamientos de enfermedades. Métodos: Para evaluar la acción del interferón (IFN) gamma immunoadjuvant como a la quimioterapia DR-pulmonar en los pacientes con tuberculosis, a título experimental, ensayo clínico abierto se llevó a cabo en el barrio cubano de referencia para la gestión de esta enfermedad. Los ocho temas existentes en el país en el momento recibidas, como en los pacientes, 1 × 106 UI de IFN gamma recombinante humana por vía intramuscular, diariamente durante un mes y luego tres veces por semana hasta 6 meses como adyuvante a la quimioterapia se indica, según a sus antibiogramas y directrices de la OMS. Recogida de muestras de esputo para la observación directa de Papanicolau y la cultura, así como la rutina clínica y radiografía de tórax se realizaron evaluaciones mensuales. Resultados: frotis de esputo y la cultura pasó a ser negativa para el ácido-rápido-bacilos antes de tres meses de tratamiento en todos los pacientes. El tamaño de las lesiones se redujo al final de 6 meses de tratamiento, las lesiones desaparecieron en un caso. La mejoría clínica fue evidente, el aumento de índice de masa corporal en general. Interferón gamma fue bien tolerada. Pocos efectos adversos fueron registrados, en su mayoría leves, fiebre y artralgias prevalecido. Conclusiones: Estos datos sugieren que el IFN gamma es útil y bien tolerado como tratamiento adyuvante en pacientes con TB-DR. Más ensayos clínicos controlados se anima