Addition of a 2-month low-dose course of levofloxacin to long-term erythromycin therapy in sinobronchial syndrome.
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.


METHODS
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.
Fujimura
Masaki
M
The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan. fujimura@med3.m.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
Mizuguchi
Masayuki
M
Nakatsumi
Yasuto
Y
Mizuhashi
Keiichi
K
Sasaki
Shigeki
S
Yasui
Masahide
M
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001988:Bronchiolitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D064704:Levofloxacin; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004917:Erythromycin; D064704:Levofloxacin; D015242:Ofloxacin