Brief report: idiopathic diffuse hyperplasia of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells and airways disease

Article Abstract:

A proliferation of neuroendocrine cells in the lungs can cause a type of obstructive lung disease. Neuroendocrine cells are not normally found in the adult lung. Six patients developed chronic lung disease characterized by coughing and shortness of breath even though none smoked or had any history of lung disease. All but one had signs of lung disease on a chest X-ray. Lung biopsies from some of the patients revealed clusters of neuroendocrine cells. In some cases, the neuroendocrine cells blocked the bronchioles and alveoli, structures that are crucial in transporting air and providing oxygen to the bloodstream. Most of the patients had relatively mild disease that had been present for years, but one 22-year-old man experienced severe lung disease that led to death from respiratory failure.

Case studies, Physiological aspects, Neurons, Respiratory tract diseases

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Interferon gamma-1b for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Article Abstract:

More research is needed to determine whether interferon gamma-1b is effective in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This is a chronic inflammation of the lungs that has no known cause. Only half of all patients will still be alive five years after diagnosis. A 1999 study found that interferon gamma-1b plus prednisolone was more effective in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis than prednisolone alone. All of the patients who took both drugs had an improvement in lung function.

Editorial

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A placebo-controlled trial of interferon gamma-1b in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Article Abstract:

Interferon gamma does not appear to benefit patients with a serious lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a study of 330 patients. After one year of treatment, symptoms, quality of life, and lung function were similar in patients who took interferon gamma and those who took a placebo, or inactive substance. Interferon gamma is a natural substance in the body that is believed to be deficient in patients with this lung disease.

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