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Case series: Chemical pneumonitis caused by exposure of sodium ibandronate powder

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This report presents two cases of chemical pneumonitis caused by the exposure of sodium ibandronate powder, a bisphosphonate used for treating osteoporosis. They are both pharmaceutical workers, and they inhaled the powder after an accidental spill in the lab. They developed similar symptoms, but different imaging features, only one showed fibrotic changes. After the blood test and bronchoscopy examination, they both diagnosed as chemical pneumonitis. Their symptoms improved after treatment with glucocorticoids. Their lung lesions resolved completely after continued treatment. The findings suggest that the importance of appropriate safety measures in environments where pharmaceutical powders may be handled, such as in the pharmaceutical industry. Chemical pneumonitis from inhaled sodium ibandronate can have varying CT appearances and may benefit from glucocorticoids therapy.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1523207

Authors: Ting Pan, Guofeng Ma, Jiali Qian

Institutions: Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801