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Addition of a 2‐month low‐dose course of levofloxacin to long‐term erythromycin therapy in sinobronchial syndrome
Author(s) -
FUJIMURA MASAKI,
MIZUGUCHI MASAYUKI,
NAKATSUMI YASUTO,
MIZUHASHI KEIICHI,
SASAKI SHIGEKI,
YASUI MASAHIDE
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
respirology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1440-1843
pISSN - 1323-7799
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1843.2002.t01-1-00405.x
Subject(s) - medicine , discontinuation , levofloxacin , ofloxacin , erythromycin , sputum , morning , antibiotics , tuberculosis , pathology , ciprofloxacin , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background: We previously reported that a 6‐month low‐dose course of ofloxacin combined with long‐term low‐dose erythromycin therapy (EM therapy) was superior to EM therapy alone for sinobronchial syndrome (SBS), especially during the initial 2 months of treatment. However, there was no data as to whether discontinuation of low‐dose ofloxacin after 2 months results in symptom relapse. This study was designed to clarify this issue. Methodology: Twenty‐three patients with SBS received a 2‐month course of levofloxacin (LVFX) therapy (100 mg once a day) concurrent with a 6‐month course of EM therapy (200 mg three times a day) (group A). Eighteen other patients were given the EM therapy alone (group B). Clinical parameters, including quantity of morning sputum, were recorded in a daily symptom diary, and reviewed by each doctor in charge at 2–4 week intervals. Results: The quantity of morning sputum decreased more rapidly in group A than in group B. No relapse of symptoms was recognized after discontinuation of LVFX in group A. Conclusions: A 2‐month low‐dose course of LVFX in conjunction with long‐term EM therapy may be efficacious for the treatment of SBS, as evidenced by rapid improvement of expectoration without any relapse after LVFX discontinuation.