[Steroid response after long-term treatment with oral N-acetylcysteine in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis].

The significance of long-term treatment with N-acetylcystein (NAC) for the steroid response on pulmonary function and general symptoms was investigated in patients with chronic bronchitis and moderate respiratory obstruction. All of the patients had received preliminary treatment with oral NAC in a dosage of 1,200 mg daily (Mucomyst Retard) or a placebo for 22 weeks in a double-blind design. After the conclusion of the long-term treatment but before the code was revealed, 37 non-allergic patients with irreversible respiratory obstruction participated in a follow-up investigation with 30 mg prednisone daily for 14 days.