USE OF URIDINE TRIPHOSPHATES AND RELATED COMPOUNDS FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PNEUMONIA IN IMMOBILIZED PATIENTS

A method of promoting drainage of mucous secretions in the congested airways of a bedridden/immobilized patient or an intubated/mechanically ventilated patient is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the airways of the patient a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5′triphosphate (UTP) or P1,P4di(uridine5′) tetraphosphate, an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of fluid in the congested airways, including sinuses, to increase the ciliary beat frequency of cilia on the surface lumina epithelia cells, to increase the secretions of mucous by globlet cells and to promote the clearance of retained secretions by hydrating mucous secretions, by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the airways and by stimulating surfactant production. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or eye drops or spray), oral form (liquid or pill), aerosol inhalation, powder form, topical, injected, intraoperatve instillation or suppository form.