Peroral N-acetylcysteine as prophylaxis against bronchopulmonary complications of pulmonary surgery.

In a randomized, double-blind study, 38 patients undergoing elective pulmonary surgery were given N-acetylcysteine (Fabrol, Ciba-Geigy) in recommended dosage (200 mg X 3) or placebo. The prophylactic effect on postoperative bronchopulmonary complications was evaluated from arterial blood-gas analyses and chest radiography. The alveolo-arterial oxygen difference increased substantially and similarly in both patient groups, and no intergroup difference was found in incidence of atelectasis or pneumonic infiltration. Thus there was no demonstrable benefit of N-acetylcysteine in the recommended dosage. For future similar studies, employment of considerably higher doses is proposed.