Interstitial pneumonia in bone marrow transplantation. Preventive and therapeutic aspects. Our experience and review of the literature
Zabala, P.; Campano, F.; Candela, M.J.; Regidor, C.; Cabrera, R.; Sanjuán, I.; Barbolla, L.; Fernández, M.N.
Sangre 34(6): 489-496
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-4355 PMID: 2483466 Document Number: 336479
From June/82 through November/85 bone marrow transplant recipients in our Institution were given only trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as prophylaxis against interstitial pneumonia. In December/85 we began a program of administration of passive immunoprophylaxis with hyperimmune plasma or cytomegalovirus-specific gamma globulin and transfusion of seronegative blood products to all bone marrow transplant recipients whether they were seropositive or seronegative prior to transplant. Nine of 36 patients in the historical control group and 9 of 32 patients in the study group developed an interstitial pneumonia. Interstitial pneumonia, once established, was treated empirically. The 9 patients in the control group received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole +/- adenine arabinoside, acyclovir, amphotericin B and anti-bacterial antibiotics; all died. Post-mortem study was performed in 7 (4 CMV, 3 idiopathic). The 9 patients in the study group received high dose cytomegalovirus-specific gamma globulin + acyclovir or ganciclovir in addition to the above measures. Four were cured, one relapsed and responded to treatment again. Five died (1 CMV, 1 candida, 3 idiopathic). We conclude that the prophylactic measures, as applied at our Institution, were inefficient. By contrast, therapy with specific immunoglobulin + acyclovir or ganciclovir can control a high percentage of patients. We compare this experience with reports from other centers.