Cyclosporin as a treatment for interstitial lung disease of unknown aetiology.

Abstract

Ten patients with progressive, symptomatic interstitial lung disease of unknown aetiology who were treated with cyclosporin A were reviewed. Five had clinical and histopathological features of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and five a progressive restrictive lung disease characterised by interstitial infiltration with lymphocytes and minimal fibrosis, which could not be classified precisely. Three patients with lymphocytic infiltration showed a response to initial treatment with cyclosporin A alone at high dosage, but toxicity precluded further treatment. All 10 patients then received low doses of cyclosporin A and prednisone. Three of the patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and all five patients with lymphocytic infiltration responded with a reduction in dyspnoea or an increase in vital capacity, or both; cyclosporin A appeared to be effective, or at least to have a corticosteroid potentiating effect. A high incidence of side effects occurred, though these do not necessarily prohibit the long term use of cyclosporin A when it is indicated clinically. Cyclosporin A may be effective in the treatment of interstitial lung disease of unknown aetiology. Further studies are required to determine the long term outcome of treatment.

• Authors: J A Moolman, P G Bardin, D J Rossouw, J R Joubert
• Journal: Thorax (Thorax) Vol. 46 Issue 8 Pg. 592-5 (Aug 1991) ISSN: 0040-6376 [Print] England
• PMID: 1926031 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cyclosporine
• Prednisone

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Cyclosporine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Prednisone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Pulmonary Fibrosis (drug therapy, etiology)
• Retrospective Studies