[Prevention and management of lung infections with thymosin alpha1 in critical patients with tracheotomy].

Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University2006PMID: 16495194

Randomized Controlled TrialThymosin Alpha-1

Plain Language Summary

In a randomized trial of critically ill patients with tracheotomies, thymosin alpha-1 injections significantly reduced lung infection rates and lowered markers of inflammation including white blood cell counts, C-reactive protein, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The treatment improved immune function and outcomes in these vulnerable patients prone to respiratory infections.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effect of thymosin alpha(1) on lung infections in critical patients with tracheotomy. METHODS: Forty-two patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group to receive daily subcutaneous thymosin injection at 11.6 mg and saline of 2 ml for 7 days, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the infection rate, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukiu-6 were significantly lower in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: Thymosin alpha(1) can be effective for prevention and treatment of lung infections in critical patients with tracheotomy and may improve the patients' immunity and prognosis.

Authors

Huang, Deng-peng; Yang, Ming; Peng, Wei-ping; Chen, Xiao-she; Chen, Zhong-qing