J Korean Radiol Soc.
2003 Jun;48(6):467-473. 10.3348/jkrs.2003.48.6.467.
Effectiveness of Low-Dose Erythromycin Therapy in Diffuse Panbronchiolitis: Assessment with Serial Changes on High-Resolution CT and Pulmonary Function Test
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School. 0319-jin@hanmail.net
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School.
- 3Department of Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School.
- KMID: 1833710
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2003.48.6.467
Abstract
- PURPOSE
To determine evaluate the clinical effectiveness of low-dose erythromycin (EM) therapy in patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB), and to correlate the pulmonary function testing (PFT) changes seen at serial high-resolution CT (HRCT) withthe results of post-treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively evaluated 13 DPB patients [seven men and six women aged 23-68 (mean, 46.2) years] who had undergone PFT, HRCT, and transbronchial or open lung biopsy prior to long-term, low-dose EM therapy (250 mg twice daily for more than six months). The interval between initial and follow-up study ranged from 7 to 32 (mean, 16.6+/-8.0) months, and we compared the changes in HRCT findings and PFT parameters before and after treatment.
RESULTS
At HRCT after EM therapy, the extent of centrilobular nodules (p=0.006), peripheral bronchiolar wall thickening (p=0.02), and areas of low attenuation (p=0.011) decreased significantly, while FVC and FEV1 showed significant increases: FVC, from 2.47+/-0.83 to 2.74+/-0.95 (p=0.028); and FEV1, from 1.66+/-0.75 to 1.95+/-0.87 (p=0.02). As the extent of peripheral bronchiolar wall thickening (r=-0.609, p=0.047) and areas of low attenuation (r=-0.687, p=0.041) decreased at serial HRCT, FVC and FEV1 increased significantly.
CONCLUSION
Long-term follow-up HRCT findings showed that for DPB patients, lowdose EM provides effective treatment. In addition, HRCT appears to be valuable for the objective evaluation of responses to EM therapy.
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