[Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis treated with azathioprine in a child]

J Bras Pneumol. 2007 Nov-Dec;33(6):743-6. doi: 10.1590/s1806-37132007000600020.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH), the main cause of pulmonary hemosiderosis in children, is characterized by intermittent alveolar bleeding and hemosiderin-laden macrophages in sputum and in gastric lavage. The treatment is based on corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs, under special conditions. We describe the case of a 7-year-old girl with IPH who achieved partial clinical remission with high doses of corticosteroids. However, the treatment had to be discontinued because the patient developed Cushing's syndrome. Treatment was started with an azathioprine-corticosteroid combination and then changed to azathioprine alone, which was maintained for four years, with excellent results.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Azathioprine / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology
  • Female
  • Hemosiderosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemosiderosis / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine