[The first experience with using autologous macrophages in the complex treatment of patients with destructive pulmonary tuberculosis].

To correct local immunity, a suspension of autologous macrophages (AM) produced by culturing peripheral blood monocytes has been introduced in combined treatment of 15 patients with infiltrative, local disseminated, cavernous, fibrocavernous tuberculosis and tuberculoma (8, 1, 1, 4 and 1 case, respectively). AM treatment was added to the standard antibacterial and pathogenetic therapy. AM were introduced into the subsegmental bronchus at fibrobronchoscopy via a catheter inserted into the cavern-draining bronchus. The trial showed AM-promoted resolution of pulmonary tissue infiltrates and more intensive repair processes. The best results were obtained in 11 new-onset cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.