[Mucociliary transport in patients with acute pneumonia]

Mucociliary transport (MCT) was investigated in 45 and 20 patients with acute focal and croupous pneumonia, respectively. MCT condition was assessed by its duration, adherence and surface tension of the sputum, water fractions. Early disease was characterized by mucociliary insufficiency as shown by longer M T duration, increased surface tension and adherence. Abnormal bronchial clearance resulted in reduced bronchial permeability. The above indices should be considered to administer early correction of the disorders.