Abstract
The effectiveness of serratiopeptidase, a proteolytic enzyme, in 23 adults with chronic sinusitis was examined. The patients received 30 mg of serratiopeptidase p.o. per day for 4 weeks. Neither antiinflammatory agents nor mucolytic agents were given.
The effectiveness of serratiopeptidase on subjective symptoms and rhinoscopic observations was 39%. X-ray opacity of the maxillary sinus was evaluated with a microdensitometer. The pre- and post-treatment data were compared in 14 patients (28 maxillary sinuses). The improvement of X-ray opacity by serratiopeptidase treatment was noted in 36%. Nasal mucociliary clearance (nasal ST) was measured in 21 patients. Before the treatment, nasal ST was decelerate in 12 patients. After the treatment, their nasal ST had not significantly improved. The general effectiveness of serratiopeptidase on subjective symptoms, rhinoscopic observations and X-ray opacity was 46%.
