Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis/Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: A World Perspective from Japanese and Canadian Data.* Kazuko Nakagawa** and Masayuki Ando***
We review the recent progress in clinical studies of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA)/hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in a world perspective. On the basis of our data, we describe: (1) agricultural environments and causative antigens, focusing on the ecology of antigenic microorganisms; (2) new diagnostic approaches: diagnostic criteria, high-resolution computed tomography and polymerase chain reaction; (3) long-term outcome and factors relating to poor prognosis; and (4) erythromycin, a potential drug for new therapy. In conclusion, we stress that the correct diagnosis and careful follow-up are still indispensable for a satisfactory outcome of EAA.
*Presented, in part, at the Fourth International Symposium "Rural Health and Safety in a Changing World" held October 18-22, 1998, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
**Dept. of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Graduate School of Clinical Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, 5-1, Oe-honmachi, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan, phone 81.96.371.4512, fax 81.96.371.4512, e-mail kazukon@gpo.kumamoto-u.ac.jp.
***Professor, First Dept. of Internal Medicine, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan.
Go to: