Hydroxyurea-induced acute interstitial lung disease

Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic agent that is being increasingly used for a number of malignant and nonmalignant systemic diseases. This agent is particularly well tolerated, with dose-related myelosuppression being the primary side effect. We describe a patient who had patchy interstitial infiltrates wi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSouthern medical journal (Birmingham, Ala.) Vol. 87; no. 7; pp. 767 - 769
Main Authors Kavuru, M S, Gadsden, T, Lichtin, A, Gephardt, G
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.1994
Subjects
Acute Disease
Aged
Biopsy
Female
Humans
Hydroxyurea - adverse effects
Lung - pathology
Lung Diseases, Interstitial - chemically induced
Lung Diseases, Interstitial - pathology
Prednisolone - administration & dosage
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Summary:Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic agent that is being increasingly used for a number of malignant and nonmalignant systemic diseases. This agent is particularly well tolerated, with dose-related myelosuppression being the primary side effect. We describe a patient who had patchy interstitial infiltrates with cavitation 2 months after the start of therapy with hydroxyurea. After hydroxyurea therapy was discontinued and empiric corticosteroid therapy was given, the pulmonary infiltrates resolved. This is a case of presumed hydroxyurea-induced lung disease, the first with supportive lung biopsy material. It is essential for physicians to be aware of this potentially life-threatening toxicity.
ISSN:0038-4348
DOI:10.1097/00007611-199407000-00022