title: [Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis].
abstract: The prognostic features of the disease are summed up. The leading symptom of the disease is the dyspnoe followed by a dry hacking cough, loss of weight and fever. Clinically we find rales, cyanosis clubbing and signs of right heart insufficiency. Lung function data point to a decreased vital capacity and diffusing capacity; residual volume and functional residual capacity are about normal. Corticosteroid monotherapy is not an efficient treatment. The combination of prednisolon + azathioprine improves vital capacity but not working capacity. Prednisolone and d-penicillamine improve all parameters including working capacity. This can be enhanced by still adding azathioprine or cyclophosphamide to prednisolone and d-penicillamine.
mesh_terms: D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008170:Lung Compliance; D008297:Male; D010313:Partial Pressure; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis; D014797:Vital Capacity
chemical_list: D011239:Prednisolone; D010396:Penicillamine; D001379:Azathioprine
vernacular_title: Idiopathisch fibrosierende Alveolitis.