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Pulmonary infiltrates associated with sulindac therapy
C H Takimoto1, D Lynch, M S Stulbarg
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Chest
|January 1, 1990
Summary
A woman experienced lung issues like infiltrates and cough while taking sulindac. Her symptoms improved after stopping the drug, and returned upon restarting, indicating a sulindac-induced pulmonary reaction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for inflammatory conditions.
- Sulindac is an NSAID commonly prescribed for arthritis.
- Adverse pulmonary reactions to NSAIDs are rare but significant.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old female patient with chronic degenerative arthritis presented with new-onset pulmonary infiltrates, cough, dyspnea, and fever.
- The patient had been on sulindac therapy for six months prior to symptom onset.
- Pulmonary signs and symptoms resolved after discontinuation of sulindac.
Findings:
- Inadvertent rechallenge with sulindac led to rapid recurrence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates.
- The clinical presentation strongly suggests an isolated pulmonary reaction.
- This case highlights a potential complication of sulindac therapy.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider sulindac-induced pulmonary toxicity in patients presenting with unexplained respiratory symptoms.
- Early recognition and drug withdrawal are crucial for managing NSAID-related pulmonary reactions.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms of NSAID-induced lung injury is warranted.