Effect of ascorbic acid and emoxypin on the efficiency of complex chemotherapy for infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis

AIM: to evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid and emoxypin on the efficiency of complex chemotherapy for infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis in a phase of decay were examined. The patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 received the standard therapy (n = 34); Groups 2 (n = 33) and 3 (n = 33) had additionally daily intravenous dropwise infusions of ascorbic acid (500 mg) (OAO "Novosibkhimpharm") or emoxypin (150 mg) (Moscow Endocrine Plant). The drugs were injected for 10 days. Therapeutic efficiency was evaluated during 12 months. RESULTS: Additional use of ascorbic acid decreased the likelihood of progression of the disease to fibrocavernous tuberculosis and promotes a good completion of 12-month course of therapy providing small posttuberculous changes. The administration of emoxypin contributes to eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, reduces the time of decay cavity closure and a need for surgical treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: The findings show it expedient to include ascorbic acid and emoxypin into the combined treatment regimen for infiltrative tuberculosis in a phase of decay.