Add-on azithromycin reduces sputum cytokines in non-eosinophilic asthma: an AMAZES substudy.

Shukla, Shakti D; Taylor, Steven L; Gibson, Peter G; Barker, Daniel; Upham, John W; Yang, Ian A; Reynolds, Paul N; Hodge, Sandra et al. · Thorax · 2021

other · Level V

Where this comes from

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 <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> 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.

Medical subject headings