Moxifloxacin Favourable for Patients with Chronic Bronchitis: Presented at ATS

Moxifloxacin antibiotic is safe and effective for treating frequent acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, researchers reported at the American Thoracic Society 2007 International Conference (ATS), after results were analysed from the Greatest International Antibiotic Trial (GIANT).

GIANT is a prospective, worldwide study that is evaluating the impact of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in outpatients and the safety and effectiveness of daily use of moxifloxacin tablets in approximately 50,000 patients from Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

More than 75% of physicians from Europe and Asia rate moxifloxacin treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis to be better than previously used therapies, reported Antonio Anzueto, MD, in his poster presentation comparing interim results from Europe and Asia. In addition, physicians from both regions find moxifloxacin efficacy to be "good or very good."

Approximately 95% of patients from both geographical areas "are satisfied or very satisfied with the therapeutic effect of moxifloxacin therapy."

Patient quality of life can deteriorate with frequent acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis because the symptoms of excess sputum production, fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, and sleep disturbance can last for weeks.

European and Asian patient participation in GIANT numbered 9,157 and 22,756, respectively, and patient information, such as length of last chronic bronchitis exacerbation, quality of life, and antibiotic treatment, were reviewed over 12 months.

Additional findings from the interim study are that European patients tend to be older and have had acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis for a longer time period than Asian-Pacific patients. Also, compared to Asian-Pacific women, a greater percentage of European women not only suffer from acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, but also seek treatment from a physician. The greater percent of European women having chronic bronchitis is believed to originate from past smoking.
source:www.docguide.com