Effects of large dose ambroxol on oxygenation index and mortality in patients with ARDS

Objective To study effects of large dose ambroxol on oxygenation index and mortality in patients with ARDS.Methods 86 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome were divided into large dose ambroxol treatment group and control group.The patients in two groups were treated by using regular treatment and mechanical ventilation,and in the large dose ambroxol treatment group were extra treated by using large dose ambroxol 15mg∕(kg·d) intravenously guttae(5mg∕kg every 8 hours) for 7 days.The effect of therapy in both group was evaluated with respiratory rate,oxygenation index(PaO_2/FiO_2),PaCO_2 and mortality of 28 days.Results There were no differences in age,respiratory rate,oxygenation index(PaO_2/FiO_2)and PaCO_2 between two groups before treatment(P0.05).The respiratory rate in the large dose ambroxol treatment group was significantly lower than it in control group[(19.5±5.6) VS(28.0±4.9),(P0.01)].The oxygenation index(PaO_2/FiO_2)in the large dose ambroxol treatment group was significantly higher than it in control group[(356.0±36.7) VS(290.6±32.3),(P0.01)].The PaCO_2 although in the large dose ambroxol treatment group was significantly higher than it in control group(P0.01),but both groups were in normal.There were no statistical differences in mortality of 28 days between two groups(P0.05),although it in the large dose ambroxol treatment group was lower than in control group.Conclusion Treatment with large dose ambroxol can improve oxygenation index and pulmonary function in patients with ARDS.