Therapy with macrolides in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis affects 1/2500 individuals and is the most common lethal autosomal recessive disease in people of northern European descent. It is characterized by chronic infections with mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa and progressive deterioration of respiratory function. Much research has focused on the inflammatory component of the disease. Macrolide antibiotics are postulated to suppress inflammatory mediators and interfere with biofilm formation produced by P. aeruginosa. In vitro studies show promising results, and a limited number of human studies reported improvements in respiratory function with the drugs. Macrolide antibiotics are generally safe and well tolerated and may prove to be effective in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Gaylor
Allyson S
AS
Department Pharmacy Practice-Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Pharmacy, Lubbock 79430, USA. Sopasg@ttuhsc.edu
Reilly
Joan C
JC
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004917:Erythromycin; D017963:Azithromycin; D017291:Clarithromycin