| Popis: |
An open, randomized study was designed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of a single 1.5 g dose of azithromycin (group I) with standard 3-day, 500 mg daily, azithromycin regimen (group II) in the treatment of atypical pneumonia. Up to now, 56 patients (27 in group I and 29 in group II), aged 16-85 years, completed the study and were included in this report. Clinical diagnosis of atypical pneumonia was confirmed by chest X-ray. Serologic testing of antibodies directed to M.pneumoniae, Ch.psittaci and Coxiella burnetii was performed by ELISA, and to L.pneumophilia by IFA test. Etiological diagnosis was obtained in 32 patients. All patients in both treatment groups became afebrile within 72 hours after treatment initiation, with disappearance of symptoms and signs of pneumonia and partial or complete regression of X-ray abnormalities within 2 weeks. Tolerability of both dosing regimens was very good and there were no side effects. Laboratory abnormalities were noticed in 5 patients in each group. Mild, transient increase of liver enzymes was observed in 5 and 2 patients, and eosinophilia in 1 and 3 patients in group I and group II respectively. These preliminary results suggest that standard total doze of azithromycin (1.5 g) may be given as a single dose for the treatment of atypical pneumonia. |
