Interferon-induced granulomatous lung disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Interferon therapy can induce or exacerbate sarcoidosis. With the increasing use of interferons it is highly likely that more cases of sarcoidosis will be encountered by clinicians. We describe three unusual cases of interferon-induced sarcoidosis and review the most recent relevant literature on this subject. RECENT FINDINGS Interferons, on account of their antiviral antigrowth and immunomodulatory effects, are used to treat various internal and dermatological diseases. Exogenously administered interferons stimulate the Th-1 response, which plays a major role in granuloma formation. In most of the patients with interferon-induced sarcoidosis, the disease subsides when interferon is discontinued. Occasionally, treatment with corticosteroids may become necessary. SUMMARY Interferon therapy can induce or exacerbate sarcoidosis, the disease disappears when interferon is discontinued, sometimes treatment with corticosteroids is required.