Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2014; 18 (2): 190-193

Hydroxyurea-induced interstitial pneumonitis: case report and review of the literature

M. Internullo, V. Giannelli, L. Sardo, C. Antonaglia, T. Villani, E. Angelici, P. Palange

Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy. m.internullo@virgilio.it

Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic agent widely used in the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders. It is considered a-well-tolerated antineoplastic drug, with a dose-related bone marrow suppression as main adverse effect. This report describes a patient with essential thrombocythemia who developed an interstitial pneumonitis and respiratory failure within 4 years from beginning therapy with hydroxyurea (HU). After discontinuing of HU. both clinical and radiological resolution of pneumonitis occurred. In conclusion, HU-induced pulmonary toxicity is a potentially life-threatening side effect.

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To cite this article

M. Internullo, V. Giannelli, L. Sardo, C. Antonaglia, T. Villani, E. Angelici, P. Palange
Hydroxyurea-induced interstitial pneumonitis: case report and review of the literature

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci
Year: 2014
Vol. 18 - N. 2
Pages: 190-193

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