Effect of linezolid combined with N-acetylcysteine on lung function, blood gas and inflammation in patients with severe pneumonia

Background: Severe pneumonia is a serious lung disease. The continuous and regular administration of antibiotics is currently used for severe pneumonia. However, the single antibiotic may enhance the drug resistance and the overall efficacy is not ideal. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of linezolid combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on lung function, blood gas and inflammation in patients with severe pneumonia. Methods: Eighty-four severe pneumonia patients were divided into linezolid group and linezolid +NAC group, which received the treatment using linezolid and linezolid combined with NAC for ten days, respectively. The total treatment efficacy was assessed. Before and after treatment, the pulmonary function indexes, blood gas indexes inflammatory response indexes were determined. Results: Compared with linezolid group, in linezolid +NAC group the disappearance time of cough, sputum and lung rales were shortened, the total effective rate, peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity, arterial oxygen partial pressure and blood oxygen saturation were increased, the arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure and serum tumor necrosis factor ?, interleukin 6 and hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels were decreased (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: In treating severe pneumonia, linezolid combined with NAC can significantly improve the lung function of patients, improve the blood gas indicators and reduce the inflammatory response, thus alleviating the clinical symptoms.