Predictive factors for bleomycin-induced pneumonitis

Am Rev Respir Dis. 1984 Dec;130(6):1078-81. doi: 10.1164/arrd.1984.130.6.1078.

Abstract

Five pulmonary function tests (transfer factor for carbon monoxide, diffusing capacity of the alveolar-capillary membrane, pulmonary capillary blood volume, alveolar volume, vital capacity) were performed, and creatinine clearance was measured in 39 patients with disseminated testicular nonseminomatous tumor treated with a combination chemotherapy containing bleomycin. Eight of these patients (20.5%) developed bleomycin-induced pneumonitis (BIP). To investigate which parameter has value in predicting BIP, a discriminant analysis was performed. The combination of a low normal creatinine clearance, a decrease in vital capacity and alveolar volume without a decrease in pulmonary capillary blood volume, pointed to an increased risk. We concluded that it is worthwhile to monitor these parameters and, if necessary, to adapt the chemotherapy of a patient at risk.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bleomycin / adverse effects*
  • Blood Volume
  • Capillaries
  • Carcinoma / drug therapy
  • Creatinine / metabolism
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Volume Measurements
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia / chemically induced*
  • Pneumonia / epidemiology
  • Pulmonary Alveoli
  • Radiography
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Testicular Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Vital Capacity

Substances

  • Bleomycin
  • Creatinine