[Iatrogenic lung diseases]

Abstract

The interest in iatrogenic diseases in general and those of lungs in particular is due to the possibility of elucidating and eliminating their etiological factors for the prevention of progression of pathological changes. However, diagnostics of such conditions is hampered by the lack of their specific clinical and morphological manifestations. The present study considers the relationship between interstitial lung lesions and the use of high doses of melothrexate (30 mg/week) for the treatment of Crohn's disease. The authors emphasize the necessity of regular monitoring the state of the respiratory system in metothrexate-treated patients and vigilance over the risk of alveolitis in such patients. The awareness of the patients of the possible side effects of metothrexate therapy is of primary importance.