[Hydroxyurea-induced pneumonia].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Hydroxyurea is an antimetabolite drug used in the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders. Common adverse effects include haematological, gastrointestinal cutaneous manifestations, and fever. Hydroxyurea-induced pneumonitis is unusual.

CASE REPORT:

A female patient was treated with hydroxyurea for polycythemia vera. She was admitted 20 days after commencing treatment with a high fever, productive cough, clear sputum and nausea. A chest CT-scan showed diffuse ground-glass opacities. Microbiological investigations were negative. The symptoms disappeared a few days after discontinuation of the drug and rechallenge led to a relapse of symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

Our case and 15 earlier cases of hydroxyurea-induced pneumonitis are reviewed. Two patterns of this disease may exist: an acute febrile form occurring within 1 month of introduction of hydroxyurea and a subacute form without fever. Even if uncommon, one should be aware of this complication of hydroxyurea.

• Authors: A Girard, C Ricordel, E Poullot, V Claeyssen, O Decaux, B Desrues, P Delaval, S Jouneau
• Journal: Revue des maladies respiratoires (Rev Mal Respir) Vol. 31 Issue 5 Pg. 430-4 (May 2014) ISSN: 1776-2588 [Electronic] France
• Vernacular Title: Pneumopathie induite par l'hydroxyurée.
• PMID: 24878159 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Hydroxyurea

Topics

• Aged
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydroxyurea (adverse effects)
• Lymphoproliferative Disorders (complications, drug therapy)
• Pneumonia (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Stroke (complications, drug therapy)