Therapeutics effect of N-acetyl cysteine on mustard gas exposed patients: evaluating clinical aspect in patients with impaired pulmonary function test.
OBJECTIVE
Long-term prescription of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) may be effective in diseases caused by active radicals of oxygen species. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 2- and 4-month administration of NAC (1800 mg daily) on mustard induced bronchiolitis obliterans.


METHODS
In a double blind clinical trial, 144 patients with bronchiolitis obliterans due to sulfur mustard in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) classes 1 and 2, randomly entered Group 1 (n=72, NAC) and Group 2 (n=72, placebo). Dyspnea, wake-up dyspnea, cough, and sputum were measured after 4 months. Spirometric findings were measured at the beginning of the trial, 2 months after and after 4 months of prescription of 1800 mg/day in three doses of NAC or placebo.


RESULTS
Dyspnea, cough, sputum, and wake-up dyspnea improved after 4 months of NAC compared to the control group. After 4 months, spirometric components were significantly improved in NAC group compared to placebo group.


CONCLUSIONS
Fourth months administration of NAC (1800 mg daily) can improve clinical conditions and spirometric findings in mustard exposed in BOS class 1 or 2.
Research Center of Chemical Injuries, Baqyatallah Medical Sciences University, Mollasadra Street, P.O. Box: 19945-546, Tehran, Iran.
Majid
M
Shohrati
Jafar
J
Aslani
Mehdi
M
Eshraghi
Farshid
F
Alaedini
Mostafa
M
Ghanei
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001989:Bronchiolitis Obliterans / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009151:Mustard Gas / Q000633:toxicity*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects
D000975:Antioxidants; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D009151:Mustard Gas; D000111:Acetylcysteine