Low-dose/long-term erythromycin for treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP)

Kurume Med J. 1993;40(2):65-7. doi: 10.2739/kurumemedj.40.65.

Abstract

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a pathologic entity characterized by intraluminal fibrosis of distal air spaces. Corticosteroids have been widely used for the treatment of this condition, and most patients showed a dramatic response to it. However, long-term treatment with corticosteroids, which often increases the risk of several undesirable side-effects, is usually required because a relapse tends to occur soon after termination of treatment. We administered erythromycin (EM) at low-dose (600 mg daily) for 3-4 months to 6 patients with BOOP, and obtained a good clinical, radiological, and physiological improvement. This suggests that EM can be successfully used, instead of corticosteroids, in the treatment of BOOP.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bronchiolitis Obliterans / drug therapy*
  • Erythromycin / administration & dosage
  • Erythromycin / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Erythromycin