Use of Erythromycin in Mustard-Induced Bronchiolitis

Low-Dose Long-Term Prescription of Erythromycin in Mustard-Induced Bronchiolitis Obliterans

We looked for the effectiveness of low-dose long-term prescription of erythromycin in mustard-induced bronchiolitis obliterans

Inclusion Criteria:

• Documented chemical exposure
• Clinical, spirometric and radiological findings were compatible with BO on High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT)
• Non-responsiveness to high dose bronchodilator therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Radiographic evidence of pneumonia, active tuberculosis, lung carcinoma, or an infection that necessitated the use of an antibiotic
• History of cigarette smoking and occupational exposure to toxic agents of hypersensitivity to macrolides
• History of treatment with a systemic antibiotic within 7 days before the start of the study
• Any investigational medicine within 4 weeks of the study
• History of antibiotic injection within 6 weeks before the study
• Concomitant Theophylline or Carbamazepine, unless their serum concentrations were regularly monitored
• Patients who were in the exacerbation phase of their respiratory complications
• Need to use medications interact with macrolides such as Digoxin, Theophylline and Carbamazepine
• Systemic antibiotics
• Systemic Corticosteroids
• Admission to the hospital
• Abnormal kidney or liver function