Efficacy of azithromycin in the treatment of bronchiectasis

Background and objective We evaluated the efficacy of a 12‐week oral treatment with azithromycin in adult patients with bronchiectasis. The objectives were to demonstrate that this treatment reduces sputum volume, improves quality of life and to assess the lengths of effects after cessation of therapy. Methods Seventy‐eight patients with bronchiectasis confirmed by high‐resolution computed tomography were included in this study. Subjects received oral azithromycin or placebo in a randomized manner for 12 weeks followed by placebo for another 12 weeks. Sputum volume, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score and spirometry were recorded at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks, respectively. End‐point measurements were compared from baseline to the end of each study phase. Results Sixty‐eight subjects were included in the analysis. Mean 24‐h sputum volume significantly decreased (P