THE EFFECT OF AZITHROMYCIN ADMINISTRATION ON CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

Abstract

The effect of azithromycin(AZM) administration on childhood asthma was studied. 40 children with asthma were randomized to one of two groups; AZM treatment group (10mg/kg/day AZM for three days: n=21) or no treatment group (n=19). Their symptom and treatment scores for asthma were evaluated. The diagnosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae was made by single IgM antibody titer ID≥1.00, positive culture or positive PCR. C. pneumoniae infection was confirmed in 68% of AZM treatment group and in 41% of no treatment group without significant difference.
Asthma symptom scores in AZM treatment group were improved three months after the treatment significantly. In no treatment group, symptom scores were not improved. There was no significant difference in asthma treatment scores throughout the study period in two groups. However, in treatment group, symptom scores decreased significantly not only in 12 cases with confirmed C. pneumoniae infection (one month later), but also in 7 cases without definite C. pneumoniae infection (one month and three months later).
These results conclude that azithromycin administration for children with asthma decreases symptom scores by controlling C. pneumoniae infection or other infections.