Chest ACCP Education Calendar
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

Guest Access | Sign In via User Name/Password
This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF) Free
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow View responses
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in ISI Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My Personal Article Archive
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (13)
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Steurer-Stey, C.
Right arrow Articles by Tramèr, M. R.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Steurer-Stey, C.
Right arrow Articles by Tramèr, M. R.
(Chest. 2004;126:1645-1655.)
© 2004 American College of Chest Physicians

Oral Purified Bacterial Extracts in Chronic Bronchitis and COPD*

Systematic Review

Claudia Steurer-Stey, MD; Lucas M. Bachmann, MD, PhD; Johann Steurer, MD and Martin R. Tramèr, MD, DPhil

* From the Medical Policlinic (Dr. Steurer-Stey), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland; Horten Centre for Patient Oriented Research (Drs. Bachmann and Steurer), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; and the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Surgical Intensive Care (Dr. Tramèr), Division of Anesthesiology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.

Correspondence to: Claudia Steurer-Stey, MD, Medical Policlinic, University Hospital, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; e-mail: claudia.stey{at}usz.ch


   Abstract
TOP
 Abstract
Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Background: Oral lyophilized extracts of bacteria species have been used since the early 1970s to improve symptoms and to prevent exacerbations in COPD patients. The value of these treatments, which are thought to be immunomodulating, is poorly understood. Our aim was to quantify the efficacy of oral bacteria extracts in patients with chronic bronchitis and COPD.

Design: Systematic review of randomized trials.

Data sources: Electronic databases, bibliographies, and contact with authors and manufacturers.

Review methods: Randomized comparisons of oral purified bacterial (active) extracts with placebo or no treatment (control) were selected. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed and random-effects models, and the results were expressed as relative risk (RR), odds ratio (OR), number needed to treat for one to benefit (NNTB), or number needed to treat for one to be harmed (NNTH), with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Thirteen trials (1,971 patients), most of which were of low quality, tested OM-85BV (Broncho-Vaxom; OM Pharma; Geneva, Switzerland), LW-50020 (Luivac; ALTANA Pharma; Bad Homburg, Germany), or SL-04. Two trials (731 patients) had appropriate methodologies and reported on exacerbations. The RR in favor of the oral bacterial extract (active) was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.55 to 1.25), and the NNTB was 15.4 (95% CI, 5.5 to {infty}; NNTH, 27.5). Five trials (591 patients) reported on observer-assessed improvement of symptoms RR in favor of active extracts was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.66), and the NNTB was 4 (95% CI, 2.8 to 5.4). Two trials (n = 344), reported on patient-assessed improvement (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.61) [NNTB, 4; 95% CI, 3.0 to 5.9]. In two trials (163 patients), the average duration of an exacerbation was shorter with the active extracts (weighted mean difference, –2.7 days; 95% CI, –3.5 to –1.8). Itching or cutaneous eruptions was reported in 3.3% of patients (four trials; 802 patients) who received active extracts compared with 1.0% of control subjects (OR, 2.94 95% CI, 1.12 to 7.69) [NNTH, 50; 95% CI, 14 to 161]. Urologic problems (two trials; 671 patients) were reported in 8% of patients who received active extracts compared with 3.0% of control subjects (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.35 to 5.11) [NNTH, 22; 95% CI, 10 to 61].

Conclusions: Oral purified bacterial extracts improve symptoms in patients with chronic bronchitis and COPD. There is not enough evidence to suggest that they prevent exacerbations. Cutaneous and urologic adverse effects are common.

Key Words: bronchitis • COPD • exacerbation • immunotherapy • LW-50020 • meta-analysis • OM-85 BV • SL-04 • systematic review


   Introduction
TOP
 Abstract
 Introduction
Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Acute exacerbation of respiratory symptoms is a common complication in patients with chronic bronchitis and COPD. Exacerbations are associated with significant morbidity, mortality,123 and costs. In the United States, the annual direct health-care cost of acute COPD exacerbations has been estimated at $18 billion (US dollars),4 and in an average UK Health Authority with a population of 250,000, there are 200 general physician’s consultations and 680 hospital admissions for acute exacerbations per year.5

Strategies that reduce the frequency of acute exacerbations and their severity have clinical, public health, and economic implications. Smoking cessation, vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, antibiotic therapy, and a short course of systemic corticosteroids are the most important strategies to prevent and control exacerbations.2678 Based on two randomized trials89 showing a 20% reduction of exacerbations, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease2 also recommended long-term therapy with inhaled steroids for patients with moderate-to-severe COPD who were experiencing recurring exacerbations.

Potentially interesting alternative strategies for an improved control of symptoms and exacerbations in COPD include the use of mucolytic, antioxidant, and immunomodulator agents. For instance, there is evidence from systematic reviews1011 that mucolytic agents reduce the risk of exacerbations.

Since the early 1970s, oral lyophilized (active) extracts of bacteria species, which are frequently responsible for lower respiratory tract infections in patients with COPD, have been used. These remedies are thought to enhance specific and nonspecific immune responses through humoral and cellular immunomodulating activities.12131415 One large randomized placebo-controlled trial performed in 1997,16 the Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infection by an Immunostimulant study, found that treatment with oral purified bacterial extracts reduced the severity of exacerbations and the rate of hospitalizations in COPD patients. However, the total number of exacerbations was similar in both groups. Based on these findings, we performed a systematic review to learn more about the efficacy and harm of these potentially useful drugs in patients with chronic bronchitis and COPD.


   Materials and Methods
TOP
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Data Sources
We searched without language restriction in the databases MEDLINE, Premedline, EMBASE, Lilacs, Biosis, CINAHL, HealthStar, Inspec, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, using combinations of the terms "OM-85 BV," "Broncho-Vaxom," "SL-04," "LW-50020," "bacterial AND lysate," "immunotherapy," "COPD," and "bronchitis." Searches were limited to "controlled clinical trial" and "human." The last electronic search was made in July 2003. Searches were completed through the screening of bibliographies of included reports and relevant reviews. We also contacted authors of the included reports and two manufacturers of bacterial lysates (OM Pharma; Geneva, Switzerland; and Sankyo Pharma; Faellanden, Switzerland), and asked for information on additional trials including unpublished data.

Study Selection
Reports were considered for review if they described randomized comparisons of an oral bacterial (active) extract with placebo or no treatment (control) in adults with chronic bronchitis and COPD, and if they had reported on efficacy or harm. Studies on the prevention of acute respiratory tract infections in otherwise healthy subjects and on immunologic parameters were not considered. There was an intention to consider data from the abstracts of scientific meetings if the study methods were clearly described and data reporting was adequate.

Validity Assessment and Data Extraction
One author (CS) screened all retrieved reports and selected those that were potentially valid. There was an a priori agreement that reports without randomization would be excluded. All authors independently assessed the selected studies for methodological quality.17 Information was sought for the following six criteria: adequacy of patient enrollment; sequence generation; concealment of allocation; blinding (of patient, caregiver, outcome assessment, and data-analysis); a statement on how dropouts were handled; and the use of an intention-to-treat analysis. We arbitrarily assigned 1 point for each fulfilled criterion (maximum, 6 points). A quality score of > 3 was considered to be adequate by us. Authors met to compare assigned scores, and discrepancies were resolved by discussion.

Information about bacterial lysate regimens (ie, drug, dose, route of administration, and duration of treatment), the number of patients enrolled into the study and analyzed, the length of follow-up, sponsorship, and outcome measures were entered in standard collection sheets. This was done by one investigator (CS), and the work was cross-checked by the others. The primary outcome measure was the prevention of exacerbation. Definitions of exacerbation were taken as reported in the original trials. Secondary outcome measures were the duration of the exacerbation, the improvement of symptoms as assessed by observers and patients, the rate of hospitalization due to exacerbation, and adverse effects.

Statistical Analysis
Dichotomous data on efficacy and harm were abstracted into 2 x 2 tables. Heterogeneity was assessed graphically using forest plots, and statistically using the {chi}2 test. We planned to perform meta-analyses in which data from individual studies would be pooled using a fixed-effects model if no statistical heterogeneity (p > 0.05) was detected. We explored the causes of heterogeneity by studying the features of populations (ie, inclusion and exclusion criteria), interventions (ie, drug regimens), outcomes (ie, clinical heterogeneity), and study quality (ie, methodological heterogeneity). In case of statistical heterogeneity, we decided to pool data using a random-effects model. Consequently, the pooled results would be interpreted with caution. We also planned to examine the influence of individual studies (for instance, small trials or those with inadequate study quality) on the summary effect estimate. The results were presented as relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs), the number needed to treat for one to benefit (NNTB) or the number needed to treat for one to be harmed (NNTH), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).18 For continuous data (ie, duration of exacerbation), we calculated the weighted mean differences (WMDs), taking into account study size and SDs as reported in the individual trials. Statistical analyses were carried out using a statistical software package (Stata, version 7.0; Stata Corp; College Station, TX).


   Results
TOP
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
Discussion
 References
 
We retrieved 71 potentially relevant reports, and 58 were subsequently excluded (Fig 1 ). Four potentially relevant reports19202122 contained data from already published studies, but we only considered the original publications.202123 One trial24 studied patients with recurrent airway infections. We used data on adverse effects only from this study. Two randomized trials2526 did not provide information on our predefined primary or secondary outcome measures. In one study,27 the number of patients per group was unknown. The other excluded reports were on children,2829303132333435363738394041 were performed in other clinical settings,42434445464748 were not on randomized trials,2049505152535455565758596061626364 or contained immunology data only.1265666768697071



View larger version (33K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
  		Figure 1.. Study selection process for the systematic review of oral purified bacterial extracts in chronic bronchitis and COPD patients.

 
We analyzed data from 13 randomized placebo-controlled trials from seven countries (Switzerland, three trials; Germany, two trials; Yugoslavia, two trials; France, two trials; Egypt, two trials; Canada, one trial; and Italy, one trial) that had been published from 1981 to 199816222472737475767778798081 (Table 1 ). Six trials were published in English, three each in French and German, and one in Italian. From four trials,24798081 only data on adverse drug reactions could be analyzed. One trial80 studied adults and children, and we extracted the data on adults only. No additional data, published or unpublished, were retrieved through contacts with manufacturers or authors. A total of 2,121 patients were randomized, and the original investigators analyzed 1,971 patients. The median dropout rate was 5% (range, 0 to 22%). The median number of analyzed patients was 104 (range, 19 to 381).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Table 1.. Oral Bacterial Extracts: Description of Included Randomized Controlled Trials*

 
Methodological Quality
All trials were placebo-controlled, and there were no head-to-head comparisons. In general, the methodological quality of the studies was poor (Table 2 ). The median score was 2, with one trial scoring 6 and two scoring 4 (Table 2). One study16 only (7.7%) reported on consecutive patient enrollment, and two studies1678 (15.4%) reported on the details of the generation of random sequences and of the concealment of treatment allocation. Four studies16227578 (30.8%) included a statement on how they had dealt with dropouts, and five studies1622737779 (38.5%) used an intention-to-treat analysis. Only two studies,7376 however, did not provide details about the blinding of patients and caregivers. Seven trials2472737780 (53.8%) acknowledged sponsorship by a manufacturer, and in five (38.5%) one or several authors were the collaborators of a manufacturer.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

  		Table 2.. Quality Assessment*

 
Regimens
Ten studies16227273747677787981 tested OM-85BV (Broncho-Vaxom; OM Pharma). The usual regimens were one 7-mg capsule daily for 1 month, followed by one capsule daily for 10 days during the second and third month, or one capsule daily during the first 10 days of each month for 3 months. Two studies2480 tested LW-50020 (Luivac; ALTANA Pharma; Bad Homburg, Germany), 3 mg daily for 2 to 3 months. One trial75 tested SL-04, 1 mL per day during the first 20 days of each month for 3 months. The observation period was 6 months in nine trials162324727374757881 (69%), 3 months in one trial,77 4 months in two trials,7980 and 12 months in one trial76 (Table 1).

Patients
In trials that reported on demographic data, there were more male patients than female patients (median, 60%; range, 43 to 80%). The inclusion criteria were COPD in 6 trials, chronic bronchitis in 10 trials, and more than three episodes of exacerbation within the previous year in 8 trials (Table 1). In the seven studies that reported on smoking habits, almost half of the analyzed patients (median, 48%; range, 23 to 93%) were smokers or ex-smokers. Lung function was reported in five trials (mild-to-moderate COPD, four trials; severe COPD, one trial).

Outcome Measures
There was a large variety in the reported end points. No more than five trials reported on the same efficacy end point.

Prevention of Exacerbation
Three trials (731 patients) reported on the prevention of exacerbation with OM-85BV1678 or SL-04,75 and the observation period was always 6 months. A relationship between study quality and treatment efficacy became apparent (Fig 2 ). One large trial16 with good quality did not show any beneficial effect with the use of active extracts. Another large trial78 with lower quality, but still acceptable quality, was significantly in favor of the use of active extracts. The largest treatment effect was with the smallest trial,75 which also had the lowest quality score. When all three trials were combined, the data were heterogeneous (p < 0.001). Using a random-effects model, the difference between the use of active extracts and placebo was not statistically significant (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.08). After the omission of this trial, the pooled RR was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.55 to 1.25). The resulting NNTB was 15.4, and the 95% CI around the point estimate included infinity (95% CI, 5.5 to {infty}; [for NNTH: 95% CI, 5.5 to 27.5]).



View larger version (8K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
  		Figure 2.. Forest plot showing RRs for the prevention of COPD exacerbations. Estimates of RRs from individual studies reporting on the effectiveness of OM-85BV in the prevention of exacerbation after > 6 months of follow-up in patients with COPD and chronic bronchitis. The Forest plot indicates that lower study quality is associated with higher effect size.

 
Average Duration of Exacerbation
Three trials (223 patients) reported on the average duration of exacerbation with OM-85 BV7374 and SL-04.75 The observation period was always 6 months. In all three trials, the duration of exacerbation was significantly shorter with treatment with active extracts compared with the control substance (WMD, –3.3 days [in favor of bacterial extracts]). Again, a small, low-quality trial75 showed the largest benefit. When this trial was excluded from the combined analysis, the WMD was –2.7 days (95% CI, –3.5 to –1.8) [Fig 3 ].



View larger version (8K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
  		Figure 3.. The WMD in the average duration of exacerbations with OM-85 BV over an observation period of 6 months. In the two trials, the duration of an exacerbation was significantly shorter with the use of active extracts compared with control substances (WMD, –2.7 days; 95% CI, –3.5 to –1.8).

 
Improvement Assessed by Observers
Five trials2272737677 (591 patients) of relatively poor quality reported on the improvement of symptoms assessed by the observers at the end of the study period. All trials tested OM-85BV, and the study periods were 3 months,77 6 months,227273 and 12 months.76 The event rate scatter suggested consistent superiority with bacterial extracts, relative homogeneity, and little variability in event rates. When all five trials were combined, the data were homogeneous (p = 0.6), and the difference between active extracts and placebo was statistically significant in favor of bacterial extracts (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.66) [NNTB, 4; 95% CI, 2.8 to 5.4] (Fig 4 ).



View larger version (12K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
  		Figure 4.. Improvement assessed by observers. Five trials (591 patients) reported on the improvement of symptoms assessed by the observers at the end of the study period. All trials tested OM-85.

 
Improvement Assessed by Patients
Two trials7276 reported on the improvement of symptoms assessed by the patients at the end of the study period. Both trials tested OM-85BV. In one trial,72 the observation period was 6 months, and in the other76 it was 12 months. Improvement was reported by 148 of 185 patients (80%) receiving active extracts compared with 86 of 156 control subjects (55%) [RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.61] (NNTB, 4; 95% CI, 3.0 to 5.9).

Hospitalization
Data on hospital admission for respiratory problems came from one trial with an observation period of 6 months.16 Hospital admission was reported in 31 of 191 patients (16.2%) receiving OM-85-BV and in 44 of 190 patients (23.2%) receiving placebo (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.06) [NNTB, 14; 95% CI, 8.0 to {infty}; NNTH, 72].

Adverse Effects
Skin itching or cutaneous eruptions were reported in 13 of 399 patients (3.3%) receiving OM-85BV,1679 LW-50020,24 or SL-04,75 and in 4 of 403 control subjects (1%) [OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.12 to 7.69] (NNTH, 44; 95% CI, 14 to 161). Urologic problems, which in one trial78 were specified as lower urinary tract infections, were reported in 27 of 338 patients (8%) receiving OM-85BV,1678 and in 10 of 333 control subjects (3%) [OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.35 to 5.11] (NNTH, 20; 95% CI, 10 to 61). Abdominal problems (eg, gastroenteritis, nausea, upper abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gastric upset) were reported in 46 of 801 (5.7%) patients receiving OM-85BV167377787981 and LW-50020,247580 and in 37 of 735 control subjects (5.0%) [OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.95]. Allergic reactions (eg, asthma and rhinitis) were reported in 4 of 341 patients (1.2%) receiving OM-85BV77 or LW-50020,2480 and in 1 of 291 control subjects (0.3%) [OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.47 to 16.3]. Study withdrawal due to adverse reactions was reported in 3 of 213 patients (1.4%) receiving OM-85BV77 or LW-50020,24 and in 2 of 208 control subjects (1.0%) [OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.25 to 8.50].


   Discussion
TOP
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
References
 
Our systematic review was unable to provide strong evidence that oral immunostimulation with bacterial extracts prevents exacerbations in patients with COPD and chronic bronchitis. Regarding the secondary end points, however, we found an improvement of symptoms, as rated by both patients and observers, and a shortening of the average duration of exacerbations of approximately 3 days when pooling the results of studies with limited methodological quality. Hospitalization due to respiratory problems was reported in one high-quality trial. This was the largest of all trials (381 patients), and it provided some evidence that the risk of hospital admission may be reduced with the use of bacterial extracts.16 Although our systematic review could not find an effect on the prevention of exacerbations, it has to be considered that both a decrease in severity and a reduction in the duration of exacerbations are relevant in the management of COPD patients.2 For instance, a decrease in the duration of an exacerbation might have an economic impact. Also, it should be taken into account that this therapy is relatively cheap and can be applied intermittently.

In patients for whom data on lung function were available, the majority had mild-to-moderate COPD. Therefore, we do not know whether bacterial extracts would be effective in reducing exacerbations in patients with severe COPD. Strictly speaking, the results from these analyses apply to patients with mild-to-moderate COPD only.

Regarding safety, we could not identify any difference in adverse GI symptoms and study withdrawals due to drug-related adverse effects compared to placebo. However cutaneous eruptions, itching, and lower urinary tract infections are common. We do not know whether one of those adverse effects was severe enough to stop patients from receiving the treatment. The main problem with the use of bacterial extracts may be the increased risk of lower urinary tract infections.

Robustness of Results
Our systematic review has some important limitations, and all are related to the relatively quality and limited validity of the original trials. However, it is important to know about methodological weaknesses in the original trials, since only then can such weaknesses be avoided in future trials.

We made strenuous efforts to minimize the risk of selection bias. Relevant reports were searched systematically and without language restriction. Four duplicate reports were identified and excluded from further analysis. The main risk is that biases in the original trials may lead to an overestimation of treatment effect. Indeed, the overall quality of the trials was poor. The included trials, however, reported on clinically homogenous settings, treatment regimens and periods were standardized (in most trials, the observation periods were 6 months), and information on the underlying risk suggested that study populations were comparable. Also, most trials used adequate methods of blinding, minimizing the risk of observer bias. Nevertheless, important methodological items such as patient enrollment, the generation of random sequences, the concealment of treatment allocation, and details about the statistical analysis were seldom reported. Furthermore, most trials were of limited size. The problem with small trials is that they may generate treatment effects by random chance. One of the smallest trials generated the most beneficial effect in favor of bacterial extract, both for the prevention and duration of exacerbation.75 Heterogeneity of the results was largely explained by this trial. When in sensitivity analyses that trial was excluded, treatment effects moved toward equality.

Pharmaceutical companies sponsored half of the trials. Often, coauthors were the collaborators of a manufacturer. An association between competing interests and authors’ conclusions has been shown repeatedly.82 In our meta-analysis, however, authors’ conclusions per se were not considered. We do not know how potential competing interests may influence the way a clinical trial is designed and conducted, and the way the data are analyzed and reported.

The trials reported on a large variety of different end points. It was impossible to combine outcome data from more than five trials. The main end point, prevention of exacerbation, was reported in three trials only, and one of those trials was of limited size and quality. Finally, the data were too sparse to allow for formal sensitivity analyses, addressing, for instance, the relative efficacy of different bacterial extracts or the impact of the duration of treatment.

Future Research
A question that should be examined in further trials is whether or not bacterial extracts are more effective in preventing exacerbations of COPD in high-risk patients with severely impaired lung function. Further relevant end points to consider are hospital admission, duration of disease-free intervals, saved days of absence of work, and the need for concomitant medications, especially antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids, as all these factors contribute to cost. It may also be of interest to know whether there was an additive or even synergistic effect when different treatments are given concomitantly in these patients, for instance, bacterial extracts with the use of inhaled steroids or mucolytic agents.

In conclusion, given the high prevalence of COPD, the impact of exacerbations on quality of life, and the costs incurred, effective ways for the prevention of exacerbations, and for reductions in the severity and duration of COPD symptoms are needed. So far, there is no strong evidence that oral bacterial extracts reduce the frequency of exacerbations, however, they seem to have a favorable effect on the severity of symptoms. Consequently, the agenda is one of further research rather than of clinical recommendations.


   Acknowledgements
 
We thank Dr. P. Estermann from the Library Service of the Zurich University Hospital for his help in searching electronic databases, and Professor E. Tassonyi for translating Hungarian studies.


   Footnotes
 
Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval; NNTB = number needed to treat for one to benefit; NNTH = number needed to treat for one to be harmed; OR = odds ratio; RR = relative risk; WMD = weighted mean difference

This study was supported by Programme for Social Medicine and Preventive and Epidemiologic Research grant No. 3233–051939.97/2 from the Swiss National Research Foundation (to MRT).

Received for publication January 15, 2004. Accepted for publication April 20, 2004.


   References
TOP
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 

  1. Strassels, SA, Smith, DH, Sullivan, SD, et al (2001) The costs of treating COPD in the United States. Chest 119,344-352[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  2. Pauwels, RA, Buist, AS, Calverley, PM, et al Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: NHLBI/WHO Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Workshop summary. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001;163,1256-1276[Free Full Text]
  3. Seemungal, TA, Donaldson, GC, Paul, EA, et al Effect of exacerbation on quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1998;157(suppl),1418-1422
  4. Sullivan, SD, Ramsey, SD, Lee, TA The economic burden of COPD. Chest 2000;117(suppl),5S-9S
  5. Pearson, MG, Littler, J, Davies, PD An analysis of medical workload: evidence of patient to specialist mismatch. J R Coll Physicians Lond 1994;28,230-234[Medline]
  6. British Thoracic Society. BTS guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the COPD Guidelines Group of the Standards of Care Committee of the BTS. Thorax 1997;52(suppl),S1-S28
  7. American Thoracic Society. Standards for the diagnosis and care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1995;152(suppl),S77-S121
  8. The Lung Health Study Research Group. Effect of inhaled triamcinolone on the decline in pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 2000;343,1902-1909[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  9. Burge, PS, Calverley, PM, Jones, PW, et al Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study of fluticasone propionate in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the ISOLDE trial. BMJ 2000;320,1297-1303[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  10. Stey, C, Steurer, J, Bachmann, S, et al The effect of oral N-acetylcysteine in chronic bronchitis: a quantitative systematic review. Eur Respir J 2000;16,253-262[Abstract]
  11. Poole, PJ, Black, PN Oral mucolytic drugs for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: systematic review. BMJ 2001;322,1271-1274[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  12. Emmerich, B, Pachmann, K, Milatovic, D, et al Influence of OM-85 BV on different humoral and cellular immune defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract. Respiration 1992;59(suppl),19-23
  13. Lusuardi, M, Capelli, A, Donner, CF Lung immune defences after stimulation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue with OM-85 BV: a double-blind study in patients with chronic bronchitis. Eur Respir Rev 1996;6,182-185
  14. Mauel, J Stimulation of immunoprotective mechanisms by OM-85 BV: a review of results from in vivo and in vitro studies. Respiration 1994;61(suppl),8-15
  15. Keul, R, Roth, M, Papakonstantinou, E, et al Induction of interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 expression by Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85 BV) via C-Fos/serum responsive element. Thorax 1996;51,150-154[Abstract]
  16. Collet, JP, Shapiro, P, Ernst, P, et al Effects of an immunostimulating agent on acute exacerbations and hospitalizations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the PARI-IS Study Steering Committee and Research Group; Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infection by an Immunostimulant. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1997;156,1719-1724[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  17. Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Undertaking systematic reviews of research on effectiveness: CRD’s guidance for those carrying out or commissioning reviews. CRD Report No. 4 2nd ed. 2001 Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. York, UK:
  18. Altman, DG Confidence intervals for the number needed to treat. BMJ 1998;317,1309-1312[Free Full Text]
  19. Debbas, N, Derenne, JP Preventive effects of an immunostimulating product on recurrent infections of chronic bronchitis in the elderly. Lung 1990;168(suppl),737-740
  20. Ahrens, J, Wiedenbach, M Efficacy of the immunostimulant Broncho-Vaxom. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1984;114,932-934[Medline]
  21. Orcel, B, Delclaux, B, Baud, M, et al Oral immunization with bacterial extracts for protection against acute bronchitis in elderly institutionalized patients with chronic bronchitis. Eur Respir J 1994;7,446-452[Abstract]
  22. Keller, R Multicenter double blind trial of Broncho-Vaxom in chronic bronchitis. Schweiz Med Wschr 1984;114,934-937
  23. Keller, R, Hinz, G Effect of an oral polyvalent bacterial lysate (Broncho-Vaxom) in chronic bronchitis. Prax Klin Pneumol 1984;38,225-228[Medline]
  24. Fischer, H, Eckenberger, HP, van Aubel, A, et al Prävention von Infektrezidiven der oberen und unteren Luftwege. Atemw Lungenkrkh 1992;4,146-155
  25. Hutas, I, Kraszko, P, Boszormenyi, NG Immunomodulation therapy in chronic bronchitis (multicenter study). Orv Hetil 1994;135,1251-1254[Medline]
  26. Xinogalos, S, Duratsos, D, Varonos, D Clinical effectiveness of broncho-vaxom (BV) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Int J Immunother 1993;9,135-142
  27. Kaspar, P, Petro, W Inhalative immunostimulation in patients with chronic bronchitis. Z Hautkr 1988;63(suppl),64-66
  28. Baretto, DG, De La, TC, Alvarez, A, et al Safety and efficacy of OM-85-BV plus amoxicillin/clavulanate in the treatment of subacute sinusitis and in the prevention of recurrent infections in children. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 1998;26,17-22
  29. Collet, JP, Ducruet, T, Kramer, MS, et al Stimulation of nonspecific immunity to reduce the risk of recurrent infections in children attending day-care centers: the Epicreche Research Group. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1993;12,648-652[ISI][Medline]
  30. Collet, JP, Boissel, JP OM-85 BV: primary versus secondary prevention. Respiration 1994;61 (suppl 1),20-23
  31. Goldschmidt, O, Kahl, L, Klimek, L, et al Specific anti-infective immune therapy: an effective way to treat recurrent tonsillitis in childhood [abstract]Drugs 1997;54(suppl),38
  32. Gutierrez-Tarango, MD, Berber, A Safety and efficacy of two courses of OM-85 BV in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children during 12 months. Chest 2001;119,1742-1748[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  33. Jara-Perez, JV, Berber, A Primary prevention of acute respiratory tract infections in children using a bacterial immunostimulant: a double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Clin Ther 2000;22,748-759[CrossRef][ISI][Medline]
  34. Losa, GA, Maestroni, GJ Clinical and immunobiological action of an orally administered bacterial extract. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1984;114,930-932[Medline]
  35. Maestroni, GJ, Losa, GA Clinical and immunobiological effects of an orally administered bacterial extract. Int J Immunopharmacol 1984;6,111-117[CrossRef][ISI][Medline]
  36. Martin du Pan, RE, Martin du Pan, RC Clinical Study concerning the prevention of infections of the upper respiratory tract of preschool children. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax 1982;71,1385-1389[Medline]
  37. Moratti, G, Canepa, GS, Scelsi, F, et al The use of bacterial lysates in postoperative immunodeficiency in ENT. Otorinolaringol Pediatr 1999;10,81-88
  38. Paupe, J Immunotherapy with an oral bacterial extract (OM-85 BV) for upper respiratory infections. Respiration 1991;58,150-154[ISI][Medline]
  39. Riedl-Seifert, RD, van Aubel, A, Kämmereit, A, et al Infektrezidive im Kindesalter- noch immer iene Crux medicorum? Ergebnisse einer plazebokontrollierten Doppelblindstudie mit einem oralen Bakterienlysat bei infektanfälligen Kindern. J Pharmacol Ther 1993;3,108-117
  40. Schaad, UB, Mutterlein, R, Goffin, H Immunostimulation with OM-85 in children with recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study. Chest 2002;122,2042-2049[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  41. Zagar, S, Lofler-Badzek, D Broncho-Vaxom in children with rhinosinusitis: a double-blind clinical trial. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 1988;50,397-404[Medline]
  42. Bergmann, ChK, Dehnert, I, Eckert, H, et al Klinische wirksamkeit eines polyvalenten bakterinsprays: eine plazebo-kontrollierte doppelblindstudie. Atemw Lungenkrkh 1983;9,126-130
  43. Czerniawska-Mysik, G, Adamek-Guzik, T, Dyczek, A, et al Double-blind clinical study with Broncho-Vaxom in the treatment of recurrent acute bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Int J Immunother 1992;8,153-159
  44. Geiser, G Prevention des maladies respiratoires une grande enterprise industrielle: etude en double-aveugle du Broncho-Vaxom. Acta Ther 1983;9,289-303
  45. Heintz, B, Schlenter, WW, Kirsten, R, et al Clinical efficacy of Broncho-Vaxom in adult patients with chronic purulent sinusitis; a multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1989;27,530-534[Medline]
  46. Schlenter, WW, Blessing, R, Heintz, B Clinical efficacy of Broncho-Vaxom in adult patients with chronic purulent sinusitis: a multicentric, placebo- controlled, double-blind study. Laryngorhinootologie 1989;68,671-674[Medline]
  47. Sequiera, RB Immunobiotherapy with Broncho-Vaxom in the prevention of postoperative respiratory infection. Med Hyg 1980;38,2752-2753
  48. Tielemans, C, Gastaldello, K, Husson, C, et al Efficacy of oral immunotherapy on respiratory infections in hemodialysis patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Clin Nephrol 1999;51,153-160[Medline]
  49. Anthonisen, NR OM-8BV for COPD. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1997;156,1713-1714[Free Full Text]
  50. Basacopol, A Broncho-Vaxom in the treatment of chronic pulmonary lesions. Pneumoftiziologia 1992;41,25-30[Medline]
  51. Bergemann, R, Brandt, A, Zoellner, U, et al Preventive treatment of chronic bronchitis: a meta-analysis of clinical trials with a bacterial extract (OM-85 BV) and a cost-effectiveness analysis. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 1994;49,302-307[Medline]
  52. Chyerek-Borowska, S, Moniuszko, T, Szymanski, W, et al Broncho-Vaxom in the treatment and prophylaxis of recurrent respiratory tract infections in bronchial asthma. Pneumonol Alergol Pol 1992;60(suppl),117-119
  53. Collet, JP Immunomodulators and primary prevention of respiratory infections: methodological considerations. Dev Biol Stand 1992;77,159-165[Medline]
  54. Collet, JP, Ducruet, T, Haider, S, et al Economic impact of using an immunostimulating agent to prevent severe acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Can Respir J 2001;8,27-33[Medline]
  55. Dahan, R, Costantini, D, Caulin, C, et al Clinical trials with C 1740, an immunomodulator compound proposed for prevention of acute infectious exacerbations in chronic bronchitis. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 1986;8,41-43[Medline]
  56. Debelic, M, Eckenberger, HP Prevention of recurrent infection of the upper and lower airways. Multicenter, open study over three months. Fortschr Med 1992;110,565-570[Medline]
  57. Derenne, JP, Delclaux, B Clinical experience with OM-85 BV in upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Respiration 1992;59(suppl),28-31
  58. Farine, JC, Meredith, M Clinical evaluation of a bacterial immunomodulator in chronic bronchitis. Advances in immunostimulation 1988,403-408 Pythagora Press. Rome, Italy:
  59. Grevers, G, Palacios, OA, Rodriguez, B, et al Treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections with a polyvalent bacterial lysate: results of an open, prospective, multinational study. Adv Ther 2000;17,103-116[Medline]
  60. Hajicek, VL, Hajicek, V Utilisation du Broncho-Vaxom(R) dans le traitement de la bronchite asthmatiforme. Acta Ther 1980;6,167-176
  61. Palma-Carlos, AG, Palma-Carlos, ML, Inacio, FF, et al Oral chemotherapy with lyophilized bacterial lysate in patients with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Int J Immunother 1987;3,123-130
  62. Panagiotou, A, Loukides, S, Georgiades, G, et al Broncho-Vaxom, an oral immunotherapy for the management of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in adults. Acta Ther 1993;19,397-400
  63. Spiropoulos, K, Lymberopoulos, D, Ginopoulos, P, et al Effect of long term therapy with oral Broncho-Vaxom in spirometry of chronic bronchitis patients. Lotta Tuberculosi Mal Polm Sociali 1995;65,167-171
  64. Wiedey, KD Rezidivierende atemwegsinfektionen. Fortschr Med 1987;105,176-180[Medline]
  65. Emmerich, B, Emslander, HP, Milatovic, D, et al Effects of a bacterial extract on local immunity of the lung in patients with chronic bronchitis. Lung 1990;168(suppl),726-731
  66. Emmerich, B, Emslander, HP, Pachmann, K, et al Local immunity in patients with chronic bronchitis and the effects of a bacterial extract, Broncho-Vaxom, on T lymphocytes, macrophages, gamma-interferon and secretory immunoglobulin A in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and other variables. Respiration 1990;57,90-99[ISI][Medline]
  67. Lusuardi, M, Capelli, A, Carli, S, et al Local airways immune modifications induced by oral bacterial extracts in chronic bronchitis. Chest 1993;103,1783-1791[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  68. Malolepszy, J, Chyerek-Borowska, S, Siwinska-Golebiowska, HK, et al Multicenter clinical trial of Broncho-Vaxom in chronic bronchitis and asthma. Acta Ther 1991;17,273-282
  69. Rossi, ME, Lega, L, Azzari, C, et al Effect of a polyvalent bacterial preparation on natural killer cell activity in children with recurrent respiratory infections. J Immunother 1993;9,225-233
  70. Spiropoulos, K, Lymberopoulos, D, Garantziotis, G, et al Salivary immunoglobulin A production in chronic bronchitis patients given an orally administered bacterial extract. Respiration 1993;60,313-318[Medline]
  71. Weiss, S, Fux, T Effect of Broncho-Vaxom on serum IgE and IgG levels in patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. A placebo-controlled double-blind study. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1987;117,1514-1518[Medline]
  72. Ahrens, J Clinical effects of oral immunotherapy. Atemw Lungenkrkh 1983;9,424-427
  73. Cvoriscec, B, Ustar, M, Pardon, R, et al Oral immunotherapy of chronic bronchitis: a double-blind placebo-controlled multicentre study. Respiration 1989;55,129-135[ISI][Medline]
  74. Djuric, O, Mihailovic-Vucinic, V, Stojcic, V Effect of Broncho-Vaxom on clinical and immunological parameters in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Int J Immunother 1989;5,139-143
  75. Germouty, J Immunotherapy of recurrent respiratory infections. Double-blind study of a new immunomodulator in 60 patients. Rev Pneumol Clin 1986;42,207-213[Medline]
  76. Khedr, MS Clinical and immunological efficacy of Broncho-Vaxom in chronic bronchitis: a double-blind study. Acta Ther 1993;19,49-60
  77. Messerli, C, Michetti, F, Sauser-Hall, P, et al Effect of a bacterial lysate (Broncho-Vaxom) in the therapy of chronic bronchitis: multi-center double-blind clinical trial. Rev Med Suisse Romande 1981;101,143-146[Medline]
  78. Orcel, B, Delclaux, B, Baud, M, et al Preventive effect of an immunomodulator, OM-85 BV, on acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in elderly patients: Preliminary results at six months in 291 patients. Rev Mal Respir 1993;10,23-28[Medline]
  79. Orlandi, O, Bruna, S, Bagnasco, G Immunostimulation treatment with a bacteriolysate in recurring bacterial infections in chronic bronchitics. Min Pneumol 1983;22,461-464
  80. Rutishauser, M, Pitzke, P, Grevers, G, et al Use of a polyvalent bacterial lysate in patients with recurrent respiratory tract infections: results of a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study. Adv Ther 1998;15,330-341[Medline]
  81. Tag El Din, MA, Ashmawi, S, Emam, WEM Effect of a polyvalent bacterial extract, Broncho-Vaxom, in the prophylaxis of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Eur J Clin Res 1993;4,99-105
  82. Kjaergard, LL, Als-Nielsen, B Association between competing interests and authors’ conclusions: epidemiological study of randomised clinical trials published in the BMJ. BMJ 2002;325,249[Abstract/Free Full Text]



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 ThoraxHome page
S Scott, P Walker, and P M A Calverley
COPD exacerbations {middle dot} 4: Prevention
Thorax, May 1, 2006; 61(5): 440 - 447.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 ERRHome page
M. Soler
Modulation of airway inflammation to prevent exacerbations of COPD
Eur. Respir. Rev., December 1, 2005; 14(95): 78 - 82.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

eLetters:

Read all eLetters

Immunostimulants for chronic bronchitis/COPD
Blanca Del-Rio-Navarro, et al.
Chest Online, 25 Nov 2004 [Full text]
This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF) Free
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow View responses
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in ISI Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My Personal Article Archive
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (13)
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Steurer-Stey, C.
Right arrow Articles by Tramèr, M. R.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Steurer-Stey, C.
Right arrow Articles by Tramèr, M. R.

HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS