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Lung
Published in: Lung 2/2020

Open Access 01-04-2020 | Sarcoidosis | INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE

Ranking Self-reported Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Pharmacotherapy in Sarcoidosis

Authors: M. Drent, V. L. J. Proesmans, M. D. P. Elfferich, N. T. Jessurun, S. M. G. de Jong, N. M. Ebner, E. D. O. Lewis, A. Bast

Published in: Lung | Issue 2/2020

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Abstract

Background

Clinical manifestations of sarcoidosis vary widely, depending on the intensity of the inflammation and the organ systems affected. So far, no curative treatment exists; the disease can only be suppressed. All treatment options cause side effects affecting quality of life. The aim of this study was to establish and rank the prevalence of self-reported gastrointestinal side effects of drugs used in the treatment of sarcoidosis.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey about complaints and side effects was conducted among sarcoidosis patients in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

Results

Of the participants, 70% were being treated with one or more drugs. The most important reported side effect was weight gain, associated with increased appetite among prednisone users (as monotherapy as well as in combination with other drugs). Methotrexate (MTX) users especially experienced nausea, with monotherapy as well as combination therapy. Vomiting and weight loss were most prominent among azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) users, whereas diarrhoea was frequently mentioned by MMF and MTX users. The reported side effects of hydroxychloroquine were generally rather mild.

Conclusion

The current study ranked the gastrointestinal side effects associated with pharmacotherapy in sarcoidosis patients. Pharmacotherapy does have multiple gastrointestinal side effects. The strongest association between a reported side effect and drug use was that of weight gain associated with increased appetite among prednisone users. It would therefore be useful for future research to look further into dietary interventions to counter these side effects and reduce their burden.
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Metadata
Title
Ranking Self-reported Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Pharmacotherapy in Sarcoidosis
Authors
M. Drent
V. L. J. Proesmans
M. D. P. Elfferich
N. T. Jessurun
S. M. G. de Jong
N. M. Ebner
E. D. O. Lewis
A. Bast
Publication date
01-04-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Lung / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 0341-2040
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1750
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-020-00323-8

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