Cyclosporine treatment of advanced interstitial pneumonitis associated with systemic sclerosis

A patient who had systemic sclerosis (SSc) with interstitial pneumonitis (IP) was being treated with prednisolone, d -penicillamine (D-P) and colchicine but developed progressive respiratory insufficiency. His ventilatory function showed the progression of restrictive disturbance without an obstructive one. We thought that this worsening was due to the developing IP but not bronchiolitis obliterans induced by D-P and started cyclosporine (CSA) therapy at 3 mg/kg/day. His symptoms improved after 3 months, and pulmonary function tests and blood gas analysis showed the best results after 1 year. There were no life-threatening side effects. CSA is an acceptable agent for advanced interstitial pneumonitis associated with SSc.