[Chronic bronchitis. Value of RU 41740]

Chronic bronchitis is responsible for 20,000 deaths per annum in France, i.e. 5 per cent of the overall mortality rate. Infection of the bronchi and lung tissue is a frequent cause of death in these patients. Acute on chronic bronchitis ranks fifth among the causes of disablement and admission to hospital. Pneumococci and Haemophilus influenza are the organisms most frequently isolated. the incidence and potential severity of acute episodes of infection account for the repeated use of antibiotics which carries a risk of promotion bacterial resistance. RU 41740 is a non-specific immunomodulator agent which reinforces the non-specific means of the respiratory tract against infections. Three double-blind, drug versus placebo and therefore reliable therapeutic trials have shown that the drug is effective in preventing airway infection. In patients with moderately advanced chronic bronchitis, RU 41740 reduces the number and duration of acute infectious episodes as well as antibiotic consumption. This positive effect persists in patients with chronic respiratory failure, including those who present with extensive bronchial dystrophy. RU 41740 is particularly effective in patients with numerous previous episodes of infection, but it also acts at all stages of chronic bronchitis.