Case Report

The Journal of the Korean Rheumatism Association 2007; 14(3): 268-273

Published online September 30, 2007

© Korean College of Rheumatology

Leflunomide 복용 중 발생한 간질성 폐렴 치료 1예

신동혁ㆍ임미경ㆍ심승철ㆍ이상옥ㆍ강성욱*ㆍ송주경*ㆍ이유선**

을지대학교 의과대학 내과학교실, 충남대학교 의과대학 내과학교실*, 마산삼성병원 내과학교실**

Successful Treatment of Interstitial Pneumonitis Induced by Leflunomide

Dong-Hyuk Sheen, M.D., Mi-Kyoung Lim, M.D., Seung-Cheol Shim, M.D., Sang-Ok Lee, M.D., Seong-Wook Kang, M.D.*, Ju-Kyung Song, M.D.*, You-Sun Lee, M.D.**

Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji Universitiy Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National Univiersity College of Medicine*, Daejeon, Department of Internal Medicine, Masan Samsung Medical Center**, Masan, Korea

Correspondence to : You-Sun Lee

Abstract

Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that has been available in Korea since 2003. Leflunomide induced interstitial pneumonitis has been reported as an adverse effect in other countries but not in Korea. A 57-year-old woman was treated with leflunomide since she had been resistant to methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. She developed high fever, dyspnea, and non-productive cough 3 months after the administration of leflunomide. She was diagnosed leflunomide-induced interstitial pneumonitis based on history, physical, laboratory, radiologic and pathologic findings. The patient was treated by prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day with cholestyramine 24 g/day, resulting in dramatic improvement. Here we report a case of leflunomide induced pneumonitis treated successfully with high dose steroid.

Keywords Leflunomide, Interstitial pneumonitis, Rheumatoid arthritis

Article

Case Report

The Journal of the Korean Rheumatism Association 2007; 14(3): 268-273

Published online September 30, 2007

Copyright © Korean College of Rheumatology.

Leflunomide 복용 중 발생한 간질성 폐렴 치료 1예

신동혁ㆍ임미경ㆍ심승철ㆍ이상옥ㆍ강성욱*ㆍ송주경*ㆍ이유선**

을지대학교 의과대학 내과학교실, 충남대학교 의과대학 내과학교실*, 마산삼성병원 내과학교실**

Successful Treatment of Interstitial Pneumonitis Induced by Leflunomide

Dong-Hyuk Sheen, M.D., Mi-Kyoung Lim, M.D., Seung-Cheol Shim, M.D., Sang-Ok Lee, M.D., Seong-Wook Kang, M.D.*, Ju-Kyung Song, M.D.*, You-Sun Lee, M.D.**

Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji Universitiy Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National Univiersity College of Medicine*, Daejeon, Department of Internal Medicine, Masan Samsung Medical Center**, Masan, Korea

Correspondence to:You-Sun Lee

Abstract

Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that has been available in Korea since 2003. Leflunomide induced interstitial pneumonitis has been reported as an adverse effect in other countries but not in Korea. A 57-year-old woman was treated with leflunomide since she had been resistant to methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. She developed high fever, dyspnea, and non-productive cough 3 months after the administration of leflunomide. She was diagnosed leflunomide-induced interstitial pneumonitis based on history, physical, laboratory, radiologic and pathologic findings. The patient was treated by prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day with cholestyramine 24 g/day, resulting in dramatic improvement. Here we report a case of leflunomide induced pneumonitis treated successfully with high dose steroid.

Keywords: Leflunomide, Interstitial pneumonitis, Rheumatoid arthritis

JRD
Jan 01, 2025 Vol.32 No.1, pp. 1~7
COVER PICTURE
Cumulative growth of rheumatology members and specialists (1980~2024). Cumulative distribution of the number of the (A) Korean College of Rheumatology members and (B) rheumatology specialists. (J Rheum Dis 2025;32:63-65)

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