Potential pulmonary toxicities of interferon therapy:
(1) interstitial pneuomonia (IP)
(2) pulmonary sarcoidosis (or reactivation of sarcoidosis)
(3) bronchiolotis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP)
(4) exacerbation of asthma
(5) pleural effusion
(6) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Complications of continued interferon therapy in a patient with interstitial pneumonia or BOOP may include progression to interstitial fibrosis.
Diagnosis:
(1) Development of or worsening of pulmonary symptoms after starting interferon therapy.
(2) Eventual improvement after drug discontinuation if drug discontinued early.
(3) Exclusion of other explanations (hepatopulmonary syndrome, pneumonia, etc).
A patient receiving long-term interferon therapy should be instructed to report development of or worsening of pulmonary symptoms such as cough, wheezing or dyspnea.
