[Two year observation of patients with chronic extrinsic allergic alveolitis during steroid treatment]

In 53 patients (37 females, 16 males, aged 17-64) with chronic extrinsic allergic alveolitis after two years of prednisone treatment (40 mg as initial dose reduced to 20 mg after 6 weeks and to 15 mg after 6 months) the significant increase (p < 0.05) of mean values of FVC, FEV1 and DCO and of clinical improvement were observed. No radiological improvement was seen. Complete allergen cessation (16 patients) had very limited influence on pulmonary function parameters and chest X-ray picture, but clinical symptoms were diminished in comparison with patients who stayed on their farms and were potentially exposed to allergens.