Azathioprine-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in a child after renal transplantation

Pediatr Nephrol. 1995 Aug;9(4):470-3. doi: 10.1007/BF00866729.

Abstract

We report a case of azathioprine-induced haemorrhagic alveolitis, in a 14-year-old boy, after renal transplantation. On day 25 the patient developed haemoptysis, fever and hypoxaemia. Chest X-ray showed diffuse reticulo-nodular shadows in both lung fields. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples were haemorrhagic and demonstrated a relative neutrophilia and a mild lymphocytosis, with a normal CD4/CD8 ratio. Azathioprine was discontinued on day 26. The patient required mechanical ventilation for 4 days. A positive leucocyte migration inhibition test and the recurrence of the symptoms after a second short course of azathioprine therapy suggested a cell-mediated mechanism. This patient is, to our knowledge, the first child to suffer from azathioprine-induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects*
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / physiology
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemorrhage / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Respiratory Function Tests

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine