[Interstitial pneumopathies: criteria of drug side-effects. Results of consensus meetings]

Since 1984, the use of the official method for determining the responsibility of drugs in side-effects has been compulsory in France. This method offers, but does not define, different qualificatives for chronological and semeiological criteria. Consensus workshops have been set up to define the undesirable side-effects themselves and the different qualificatives in each of the principal fields of pathology. As regards drug-induced interstitial pneumonia, chest specialists from university hospitals, members of the national system of pharmacovigilance and representatives of the Roussel-Uclaf central department of pharmaco-vigilance have determined: the limits of time elapsed between the beginning and end of drug administration and the occurrence of the adverse reaction; how to interpret various courses of the side-effect with and without temporary discontinuation of the drug, and how to interpret a possible readministration. A list of investigations aimed at excluding the main possible causes of interstitial pneumonia has been drawn up.