[Results of combined therapy using levamisole for patients with influenza complicated by pneumonia]

The results of combined therapy of patients with influenza complicated with pneumonia using levamisole (decaris) as an interferon inducer are presented. The study group included 39 subjects, the control 35. The group of patients receiving the drug showed in the convalescent period a higher titre of the antiviral activity of serum interferon (1 : 24) than the control group (1 : 17). The antiviral activity of interferon in the blood serum was determined in patients with different degrees of severity of the disease course, and comparative clinical observations in relation to the levels of its antiviral activity and its content in the blood serum were carried out. No rise of interferon content was observed in the protracted course of the disease. In severe forms ending lethally there was a considerable decline of interferon levels (down to 0 units). A rise in its concentration in the blood serum was conducive to a more rapid recovery and favourable outcome of the disease. The drug is recommended for combined therapy of complicated forms of influenza, particularly those with a severe course.