The effect of tilorone on the cytoimmunological parameters of induced sputum and on the frequency of asthma exacerbations caused by respiratory viral infection

The abilities of tilorone to modulate an inflammatory response in acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and proofs of its clinical efficacy were the basis for investigating the effect of tilorone (Amixin) on the cytoimmunological parameters of induced sputum and on the frequency of asthma exacerbations caused by respiratory viral infection in children.

Objective: to evaluate the clinical course of the disease and the cellular composition and immunological indices of induced sputum in children with an asthma exacerbation in the presence of the acute respiratory disease on addition of Amixin to standard basic therapy. Thirty children aged 7 to 16 years with an asthma exacerbation in the presence of ARVI were examined. Pharyngeal and nasal swabs were tested by PCR forrespiratory viruses; externalrespiratory function was determined before and after a pharmacological test; and nasal secretions and induced sputum were also cytologically investigated. A follow-up group (n=19) received treatment with Amixin according to the regimen.

The predominant inflammatory phenotype in children with an asthma exacerbation in the presence of ARVI was ascertained to be neutrophilic (53.9%). Pathogen identification revealed rhinovirus in two-thirds of cases. Addition of tilorone (Amixin) to standard basic therapy for an asthma exacerbation caused by ARVI declined the number of recurrent ARVIs over the next 6 weeks; the number of bacterial complications did reduce that of asthma exacerbations if the latter occurred. The children treated with Amixin showed elevated levels of macrophages, reduced concentrations of eosinophils and IL-8, IL-1β in the induced sputum, and improved spirometric parameters reflecting permeability at the level of small and medium-sized bronchi. 

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