Hydroxyurea-induced interstitial pneumonitis: case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic agent widely used in the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders. It is considered a-well-tolerated antineoplastic drug, with a dose-related bone marrow suppression as main adverse effect. This report describes a patient with essential thrombocythemia who developed an interstitial pneumonitis and respiratory failure within 4 years from beginning therapy with hydroxyurea (HU). After discontinuing of HU. both clinical and radiological resolution of pneumonitis occurred. In conclusion, HU-induced pulmonary toxicity is a potentially life-threatening side effect.

• Authors: M Internullo, V Giannelli, L Sardo, C Antonaglia, T Villani, E Angelici, P Palange
• Journal: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences (Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 190-3 ( 2014) ISSN: 2284-0729 [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 24488907 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Hydroxyurea

Topics

• Aged
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydroxyurea (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Lung Diseases, Interstitial (chemically induced)
• Respiratory Insufficiency (chemically induced)
• Thrombocytosis (drug therapy)