Radiation pneumonitis: a possible lymphocyte-mediated hypersensitivity reaction
Article Abstract:
Lymphocyte-mediated hypersensitivity may be responsible for radiotherapy-induced pneumonitis. Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs. Early acute pneumonitis develops in 5% to 15% of patients who undergo radiation therapy of the chest. Levels of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, were measured before and after radiation therapy in 17 women who had surgery for breast cancer. The percentage of lymphocytes obtained following irrigation of the lungs increased from 34.5% to 46.8%, and 13 of the women developed lymphocytosis, which is an excess of lymphocytes. Although the women had radiotherapy on only one lung, lymphocytosis developed to a similar degree in both lungs. Seven of the women developed radiation pneumonitis. The percentage of white blood cells was 43.5% in women who did not develop pneumonitis compared with 67.6% among women who did develop pneumonitis. The total lymphocyte count was 9.4 million in women who did not develop pneumonitis compared with 35.2 million among women who did develop pneumonitis.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1993
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Who gets pneumonia after surgery?
Article Abstract:
Researchers have identified certain characteristics that increase a surgery patient's risk of developing pneumonia based on a study of 316,071 patients. Risk factors include older age, use of corticosteroid drugs, pre-existing lung disease, alcohol or tobacco use, history of stroke, and weight loss.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2001
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A multifactorial risk index predicts postoperative pneumonia
Article Abstract:
A multifactorial risk index that would predict postoperative pneumonia is presented that advances the field of preoperative pulmonary risk assessment and provides a valuable tool for clinicians. It is observed that age is a stronger risk factor for postoperative pneumonia.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2004
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