Re: Long term ATD use -- rare danger

[Guest guest]

" aredhen " wrote:

>

> Last week, she developed embolisms in both lungs. Her doctor believes

> that this is a result of long term PTU use.

May be a strange question but how do they diagnose embolisms on

the lungs?

I know my mum spent the best part of one Christmas in the chest

ward being piped full of Warfarin, till I think day 4 when they

realised it wasn't an embolism, and the rat poison wouldn't help

her.

Is it just something they guess at through symptoms, or can they

spot the embolism in some way?

Embarassed to say I've forgotten the final diagnosis on that

occaison (it wasn't the only Christmas spent in and around

hospitals), but it all resulted from her Lupus attacking the

lungs.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I should probably point out that only about 50 cases have been reported

world-wide from 1945 to present, and in most instances, as in drug-related

lupus, the problems occurred within the first four weeks although there is

one other report of this problem occurring after long-term use. The problem

we're referring to is the development of autoantibodies known as

P-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies or P-ANCA. These antibodies cause

vasculitis although the antibodies and vasculitis are reported to go away

when the drug is discontinued.

I've sent Red a number of URLs on the topic, which I can send to anyone who

wants more information. Or you can do a search on vasculitis and

propylthiouracil on PubMed. And for this reason, several doctors who have

studied this report that methimazole may be a safer drug. Overall, studies

have consistently shown that methimazole is associated with fewer side

effects. In pregnancy, PTU is preferred because it doesn't cross the

placental barrier as readily as methimazole.

This is not something to worry about but something to consider if you develop

symptoms of either vasculitis or drug related lupus. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

How long and on how potent a dose was she on ATD's?

Thanks for sharing the info. Best wishes for her to be back on her feet

soon, take care, Fay

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[Guest guest]

How long and on how potent a dose was she on ATD's?

Thanks for sharing the info. Best wishes for her to be back on her feet

soon, take care, Fay

________________________________________________________________

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