Interferon-gamma for delayed pulmonary toxicity syndrome resistant to steroids

Chronic lung disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Tens of thousands of patients undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) each year, mainly for hematologic disorders. In addition to the underlying diseases, the chemotherapy and radiation therapy that HSCT recipients receive can result in damage to multiple organ systems. Pulmonary complications develop in 30% to 60% of HSCT recipients. With the widespread use of prophylaxis for certain infections, the spectrum of pulmonary complications after HSCT has shifted from more infectious to noninfectious complications. This article reviews some of the noninfectious, chronic pulmonary complications.

Acute interstitial pneumonia

The idiopathic interstitial pneumonias have unknown etiology and are characterized by diffuse parenchymal lung involvement and the potential to develop pulmonary fibrosis. Most portend a reduction in life expectancy due, in part, to the absence of effective therapies. The symptoms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia develop insidiously. In contradistinction, acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP, also known as acute interstitial pneumonitis) is unique in that it has a very rapid to fulminant onset, leading to early hospitalization and a high initial case fatality ratio but, potentially, a more favorable long-term prognosis for survivors. Despite its contemporary description nearly 20 years ago, knowledge of this disease has increased little. This review focuses on AIP and its current place among the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

Respiratory failure in interstitial lung disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Respiratory failure associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurs commonly, often as a terminal event after a prolonged course of illness. Diagnosis and management of the underlying ILD and respiratory failure pose great challenges.

RECENT FINDINGS

Respiratory failure in the absence of a clearly identifiable cause has a high mortality and frequent complications. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who are admitted with respiratory failure have a grim prognosis and may not benefit from prolonged aggressive therapy including mechanical ventilation. Presence of diffuse alveolar damage or usual interstitial pneumonia on lung biopsy specimens from patients with respiratory failure may be a marker of poor prognosis. Recently, the importance of the clinical-radiologic-pathologic diagnosis has been emphasized.

SUMMARY

The prognosis and treatment may vary according to the type of ILD and the cause of the respiratory failure, which must therefore be established before treatment is initiated. Prevention of iatrogenesis and timely application of palliation are as important as specific treatment of underlying ILD.

Pulmonary toxicity and cancer treatment

Pulmonary toxicity is a serious potential complication of the use of cytotoxic drugs that can be debilitating and life threatening. Rapid recognition of this problem and its management are critical if morbidity is to be limited. This article discusses the mechanisms, common clinical features and risk factors for cytotoxic drug-induced pulmonary toxicity, and outlines general management principles.