Randomized trial of acetylcysteine in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Acetylcysteine has been suggested as a beneficial treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, although data from placebo-controlled studies are lacking.

Methods

In our initial double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned patients who had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with mild-to-moderate impairment in pulmonary function to receive a three-drug regimen of prednisone, azathioprine, and acetylcysteine; acetylcysteine alone; or placebo. The study was interrupted owing to safety concerns associated with the three-drug regimen. The trial continued as a two-group study (acetylcysteine vs. placebo) without other changes; 133 and 131 patients were enrolled in the acetylcysteine and placebo groups, respectively. The primary outcome was the change in forced

SUBMITTER: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinical Research Network 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4116664 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature