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Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a common, multi system, granulomatous disorder
with frequent lung involvement that can in some cases progress
to pulmonary fibrosis. The severity of the lung involvement is assessed
on the basis of the patient’s symptoms (particularly dyspnoea
and cough), changes on the chest x-ray (CXR) and on deteriorating
lung function. High resolution CT scans are now important
in differentiating sarcoid from other interstitial lung diseases.
Patientsmay also complain of systemic symptoms such as lethargy.
Involvement of other organs including liver, skin and brain is also
common in this group of patients. Oral corticosteroids are often
prescribed first in such cases. Immunosuppressives and cytotoxic
agents are also prescribed for those who do not respond to steroids
and show a progressive deterioration or to those who are unable
to tolerate steroids (steroid sparing agents).

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Paramothayan, PJ and Lasserson, TJ and Walters, EH
Journal or Publication Title:	Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Publisher:	Wiley-Liss, Div John Wiley & Sons Inc
ISSN:	1469-493X
DOI / ID Number:	10.1002/14651858.CD003536.pub2.
Additional Information:	Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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