The effect of corticosteroids in fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis subgroups

What is it about?

Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) is often treated with corticosteroids without much evidence. In this study, we have shown that a small positive effect was seen in fHP cases with BAL lymphocytosis or absence of honeycombing, but no effect was observed in fHP case without BAL lymphocytosis or presence of honeycombing.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Given the known side-effects of corticosteroids, clinicians taking care of fHP cases should weigh up the risks versus the benefits in treating fHP patients with corticosteroids. Based on these findings, corticosteroid therapy might not be indicated in fHP cases with honeycombing or without BAL lymphocytosis.