Hydroxyurea-induced interstitial pneumonitis: case report and review of the literature.
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.
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy. m.internullo@virgilio.it.
M
M
Internullo
V
V
Giannelli
L
L
Sardo
C
C
Antonaglia
T
T
Villani
E
E
Angelici
P
P
Palange
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced; D013922:Thrombocytosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006918:Hydroxyurea