ABSTRACT
In a randomized trial, we compared the efficacy and toxicity of azithromycin and ceftibuten once daily in the initial (empiric) therapy of proven or suspected community-acquired respiratory tract infections (CARTI) in 163 pediatric patients: 95.5% of those treated with azithromycin and 83.6% of those treated with ceftibuten were cured or improved. Streptococcus pneumoniae was more frequently eradicated in the azithromycin than in the ceftibuten group, whereas gram-negative bacilli were more susceptible to ceftibuten. Elimination rates for Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae were similar; adverse reactions did not differ in both arms. Thus, azithromycin was more effective but equally safe than ceftibuten in the initial therapy of pediatric CARTI.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage , Azithromycin/administration & dosage , Cephalosporins/administration & dosage , Drug Therapy, Combination/administration & dosage , Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy , Adolescent , Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects , Azithromycin/adverse effects , Ceftibuten , Cephalosporins/adverse effects , Child , Child, Preschool , Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy , Drug Administration Schedule , HumansABSTRACT
The authors examined IgG sub-classes, using the ELISA method, in 35 patients with relapsing respiratory diseases and 27 children of a control group aged 3-15 years. In children with relapsing respiratory diseases without deficiency of the main immunoglobulin classes they found a statistically significantly reduced value in sub-class IgG2 (P < or = 0.01). The changes found in other sub-classes were not statistically significant. The authors draw attention to the fact that deficiency in IgG sub-classes should be considered in case of repeated respiratory infections caused by encapsulated microorganisms--H. influenzae, Str. pneumoniae--and also when reduced levels of IgG and IgA are found. However, even normal levels do not rule out deficiency.
Subject(s)
Immunoglobulin G/classification , Respiratory Tract Diseases/immunology , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/analysis , RecurrenceABSTRACT
The authors treated with Biostim (Roussel Uclaf Co., France) 20 children aged 3 to 15 years with relapsing and chronic diseases of the respiratory system. A favourable clinical effect was observed in 45% and improvement in 40% of the patients. In the investigated immunological indicators the response to treatment Biostim was manifested in the antibody immunity by a reduction of IgE values (P < 0.01) and of IgM (P < 0.05). As to cellular immunity, there was a significant increase of the phagocytic activity (P < 0.05). The tolerance of the preparation was very good.
