[A case of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia that responded well to intermittent intravenous administration of high doses of cyclophosphamide and a steroid].
A 78-year-old man was hospitalized on February 29, 2000 because of dyspnea. A chest radiograph showed diffuse bilateral interstitial shadows associated with pulmonary volume loss. We could not obtain histological evidence of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) because of his advanced age and severe respiratory dysfunction. IIP was diagnosed on the basis of radiographic findings and clinical symptoms. The patient was intubated and mechanical ventilation was performed. After one course of pulsed cyclophosphamide (CPM) and methylprednisolone therapy, the hypoxemia improved and it became possible to wean the patient from the ventilator. After five courses of pulsed CPM therapy, the dose of oral corticosteroid was tapered. CPM was administered safely without any severe side effects. Pulsed CPM therapy appears to be a viable alternative method of treatment for IIP.
Umemura
S
S
Department of Internal Medicine, Kure Kyosai Hospital, Kure, Japan.
Hiyama
J
J
Horita
N
N
Shiota
Y
Y
Ono
T
T
Yamakido
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020551:Pulse Therapy, Drug
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D008775:Methylprednisolone