Exposure-Related ILD/Drug-Associated - Management
MANAGEMENT
- Elimination of ILD-inducing medication is the first line of treatment3
- Acute episodes can resolve 24-48 h after drug discontinuation, while chronic ILD can persist longer
- The responsiveness of drug-induced ILD can depend on severity of disease: pulmonary fibrosis can progress even after drug discontinuation
- The extent of lung disease versus severity of underlying condition should be weighed to determine the potential benefit of drug removal
- After removal of the causative drug, treatment relies primarily on symptom management and supportive care3
- Oxygen therapy often needed
- Although there are no approved therapies, corticosteroids and glucocorticoids are often used empirically for patients with severe ILD2,3
- Preventive measures should also be taken to avoid infection, given the majority of drug-induced ILD patients are also on immunosuppressants3
- Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations and tuberculosis screenings are recommended
