RAPID PROGRESSION OF FIBROSING ALVEOLITIS AND THYROTOXICOSIS AFTER ANTITHYMOCYTE GLOBULIN THERAPY FOR APLASTIC-ANEMIA

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) therapy is an established form of treatme nt for aplastic anaemia and has also been used as prophylaxis against graft rejection of bone marrow and renal allografts. Administration of ATG preparations has been associated with many mild clinical reaction s, as have other forms of immunomodulatory therapy. However, serious a dverse effects appear to be rare. We report a case of rapidly progress ive fibrosing alveolitis and thyrotoxicosis in relation to ATG therapy , highlighting its potential toxicity and emphasising that its adminis tration should be undertaken by experienced physicians in specialised centres.