Online first
ARP Rheumatology - Online first: 2025-07-19
Letter
Letter
Management and outcome of immune-mediated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: a single centre case series
Abstract
The standard treatment of immune-mediated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (IM-DAH) encompasses immunosuppression with glucocorticoids (GC) and either cyclophosphamide (CYC) or rituximab (RTX). The role of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PLEX) remains controversial. We conducted a single-centre retrospective observational study on patients admitted with IM-DAH to evaluate treatment approaches and outcomes. Twelve episodes were identified in ten patients. All episodes were treated with GC and nine with CYC. IVIg was administered as first-line and/or bridging therapy in three cases with concomitant infections or high infection risk. PLEX was used in six episodes. IVIg and PLEX were primarily used as add-on therapies or when other immunosuppression was not recommended. After one year, nine patients survived. The combination of GC and CYC was the most common treatment regimen. While the role of PLEX and IVIg is not well established, they may be beneficial as second-line or as add-on therapies in selected cases.
Unedited article
Share
Publication:
2025-07-19
Cite:
Catarina Abreu, Vanessa Fraga, Alice Morais de Castro, Sandra Sousa, Ana Catarina Duarte, Maria José Santos. Management and outcome of immune-mediated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: a single centre case series. ARP Rheumatology, 2025, online-first - http://www.arprheumatology.com/article_abstract.php?id=1596
Copy citation
Copy citation