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ShareApr. 13, 2010 — A novel vaccine may help reduce the number and severity of exacerbations in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Australian researchers developed a new oral immunotherapy (HI-164OV) using Haemophilus influenzae, the bacteria causing meningitis in children. In a randomized, multicenter, double blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers tested the efficacy of the new vaccine and its effects on outcomes in 38 patients with severe COPD.
Results showed significant reductions in the areas of moderate to severe exacerbations (63 percent reduction), mean duration of episode (37 percent reduction), prescribed antibiotics (56 percent reduction), and exacerbations requiring hospital admission (90 percent reduction). No specific adverse effect was detected.
Researchers conclude that the vaccine shows potential in improving the health of patients with COPD.
The article is published in the April issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.
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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by American College of Chest Physicians.
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Journal Reference:
- M. K. Tandon, M. Phillips, G. Waterer, M. Dunkley, P. Comans, R. Clancy. Oral Immunotherapy with inactivated NTHi reduces severity of acute exacerbations in severe COPD. Chest, 2009; DOI: 10.1378/chest.09-1382
Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.
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