CLL with Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis

[Almanac]

My mother was diagnosed with CLL and with auto immune hemolytic anemia 2 months ago. She did not undergo any chemo during hospitalization. Continued with prednisone 60 mg for three weeks, and was tapering down by 10mg every week. All her blood counts were close to normal, hb at 13.3, alc at 7k, neutrophils normal. But all of a sudden she has started having breathlessness, low o2 sat. CT revealed with acute interstitial pneumonitis, a form of interstitial lung disease. Is on antibiotics and steroids started again, with o2 supply always in hospital.

Has anyone undergone this interstitial lung complication? We live in India.

[Jm954 Administrator]

Hi there,

You will know by now that interstitial lung disease is a very serious condition with no known cause, usually occurring in otherwise healthy older adults. Steroids are the recommended treatment as your mom is having and ICU ventilation if respiratory failure occurs.

I’m sorry to hear your mom has developed this probably unrelated condition and I hope she makes a quick and rapid recovery.

Jackie

[Almanac in reply to Jm954]

Hi Jackie,

Thanks for the wishes! Yes, the deterioration was quite fast.

And the doctors say it is totally unrelated to CLL, may be due to compromise in the immune system, these opportunistic virus/bacteria could have contributed.

[JayceeD]

I was on Prednisone, but for an entirely different reason. When I began Imbruvica in April, 2018 I had a terrible reaction to it. I broke out with small sores all over my body that itched like crazy and was given Pred. I was also taken off the IB. When I went back on I was on 2/3 dose, 280 mg and Pred. After a month I asked my specialist if I could go back to 480 mg full dose of Imbruvica and she said yes. I haven't had any more problems, but for a stomach issue and now take Famotidine with the IB. Now this story has nothing to do with taking a huge dose of Pred and tapering down and no pneumonia. However, I understand that if you're on Pred for an extended period you do have to taper off of it. Wishing your mother the best and hoping she gets well soon. Carole

[Almanac in reply to JayceeD]

Thank you for the wishes..