interstitial pneumonitis

[rod624]

AS I HAVE SUFFERED BREATHLESSNESS AND WALKING PROBLEMS,I HAVE BEEN TAKEN OFF TACROLIMUS AND PUT ON NEORAL-YET THERE IS NO IMPROVEMENT IN MY CONDITION.IS THERE ANY OTHER ANTI REJECTION DRUG THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND (I HAVE HAD A LIVER TRANSPLANT RECENTLY)? IN YOUR EXPERIENCE,CAN MY SITUATION BE IMPROVED?THANKS.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

i really do not know why tacrolimus would be causing your breathlessness.  Its important to ask if its related to your heart, to your lungs or could it be infectious in nature.  i think things can be improved if a cause can be figured out.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

it would be unusual for hepatopulmonary system to occur de novo post-liver transplantation.  could it be pulmonary hypertension?  This is readily treatable but you would need to be seen by a physician with experise in this.

[rod624]

Doctor-you were right ,as usual.Today,i was seen by a respiratory consultant,and taken through various tests (with more to follow).He thinks it is hepatic pulmonary syndrome which is usually apparent in people pre liver transplant,not subsequently like me.Have you,in your experience come across this?What do you think are my chances of significant improvement? Thanks.