Altered values of many functional properties of both peripheral phagocytes (neutrophils and monocytes) and alveolar macrophages were demonstrated in patients with chronic bronchitis. Out of this population 16 patients with defective phagocytosis index were included in an open randomized trial to investigate the effect of RU41740, a glycoprotein extract of K1. pneumoniae, on this phagocytic function and its efficacy in reducing the number of exacerbations.
A relationship between the restoration of the immunological parameter and the clinical improvement was demonstrated. This effect suggests that phagocytosis can play a role in protecting patients with chronic bronchitis from infectious exacerbations.
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