Abstract
Add-on azithromycin (AZM) significantly reduces exacerbations in poorly controlled asthma irrespective of disease phenotype. In a predefined substudy of the original AMAZES protocol (500 mg, three times a week for 48 weeks), we report that AZM treatment reduces key sputum inflammatory proteins (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and extracellular DNA), which is more evident in non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA). Moreover, AZM reduced Haemophilus influenzae load only in NEA. Our data support the anti-inflammatory effects of AZM in poorly controlled asthma. Prospective studies are required to identify patients that derive greatest benefit from AZM add-on therapy.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Thorax |
Early online date | 7 Jan 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 7 Jan 2021 |
Keywords
- asthma
- asthma pharmacology
- cytokine biology
- respiratory infection