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Sirolimus-associated pulmonary toxicity
Phuong-Thu T Pham1, Phuong-Chi T Pham, Gabriel M Danovitch
1David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Nephrology Division, Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. PPham@mednet.ucla.edu
Transplantation
|April 29, 2004
Summary
Sirolimus therapy can cause serious lung problems, including cough and shortness of breath. Stopping sirolimus (an immunosuppressant drug) often improves these pulmonary toxicity symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary toxicity is a recognized complication of sirolimus therapy.
- This study details sirolimus-induced pulmonary toxicity using case reports and literature review.
Observation:
- Dyspnea, dry cough, fatigue, and fever are common symptoms.
- Radiographic findings include bilateral interstitial infiltrates.
- Histologic features vary, including lymphocytic alveolitis and organizing pneumonia.
Findings:
- 43 cases of sirolimus-induced pulmonary toxicity reported.
- Sirolimus discontinuation or dose reduction led to rapid clinical and radiologic improvement in 15 patients.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be vigilant for pulmonary complications in patients on sirolimus.
- Early recognition and drug cessation are crucial for managing sirolimus-induced lung injury.