Berylliosis Medication

  • Author: Raed A Dweik, MD, FACP, FRCP(C), FCCP, FCCM, FAHA; Chief Editor: Zab Mosenifar, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 26, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for chronic beryllium disease (CBD). No consensus on the dose or duration of corticosteroid therapy exists. A starting dose of 20-40 mg of oral prednisone daily or every other day usually is used. After an initial 4-6 weeks of therapy, prednisone is tapered, depending on the clinical response.

MTX may be considered in patients who do not respond to corticosteroids or in patients who develop significant adverse effects on corticosteroid therapy.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

Have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

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Prednisone (Sterapred)

 

Immunosuppressant for treatment of autoimmune disorders. May decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity. Stabilizes lysosomal membranes and also suppresses lymphocytes and antibody production. A 3-phase approach is suggested.

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Cytotoxic agents

Class Summary

Inhibit cell growth and proliferation, which decreases immune system activity.

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Methotrexate (Folex PFS, Rheumatrex)

 

Unknown mechanism of action in treatment of inflammatory reactions. May affect immune function. Ameliorates symptoms of inflammation (eg, pain, swelling, stiffness). Adjust dose gradually to attain satisfactory response.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Raed A Dweik, MD, FACP, FRCP(C), FCCP, FCCM, FAHA,  Associate Professor of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine; Director, Pulmonary Vascular Program, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic

Raed A Dweik, MD, FACP, FRCP(C), FCCP, FCCM, FAHA, is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Thoracic Society, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Society of Critical Care Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Oleh Wasyl Hnatiuk, MD  Program Director, National Capital Consortium, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences

Oleh Wasyl Hnatiuk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Gregg T Anders, DO  Medical Director, Great Plains Regional Medical Command , Brooke Army Medical Center; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Disease, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Gregg T Anders, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Timothy D Rice, MD  Associate Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine

Timothy D Rice, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Zab Mosenifar, MD  Director, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Director, Women's Guild Pulmonary Disease Institute, Professor and Executive Vice Chair, Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Zab Mosenifar, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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A high-resolution CT scan of the chest showing the typical ground glass appearance in a patient with chronic beryllium disease, or berylliosis.
A histopathology slide (hematosin and eosin stain) showing the typical well-formed granuloma of chronic beryllium disease, or berylliosis.
 
 
 
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