Phospholipidosis is a condition where phospholipids build up in body tissues, causing the development of myeloid bodies. It is a form of lysosomal storage disorder that can be drug-induced. The mechanism is not fully understood, and treatment may involve changing medications or allowing the body to recover. It is a cause for concern as it may indicate other drug metabolites are accumulating in the body. Medications associated with phospholipidosis include angina, antidepressant, antimalarial, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Phospholipidosis is a condition characterized by a buildup of phospholipids in body tissues. These compounds are normally part of the cell wall and skeleton and are continuously present in low levels, but in people with the condition, these levels rise dramatically. This contributes to the development of structures known as myeloid bodies. These structures can be seen in microscopic examinations of tissue and can be used to diagnose patients with phospholipidosis.
This condition is a form of lysosomal storage disorder. Lysosomes are structures found within cells responsible for metabolizing waste materials so they can be excreted. In people with lysosomal storage disorders, lysosomes are unable to do their job and the compounds they normally break down and excrete become trapped in cells. Many of these metabolic disorders are inherited, but some can be drug-induced, as seen with phospholipidosis.
A variety of drug classes can cause this condition, and despite numerous scientific studies, the mechanism by which phospholipidosis occurs is not fully understood. In some patients, the condition resolves on its own, especially once the drug is stopped. In others, specific treatment may be needed, such as changing medications or taking the patient off medication to allow the body to recover.
This adverse drug reaction is a cause for concern because the presence of phospholipidosis may be an indicator that other drug metabolites are also accumulating in body tissue instead of being excreted. In patients diagnosed with this disease, a doctor may recommend tests for liver and kidney function to see if these organs are having difficulty metabolizing drugs and other compounds entering the body. If these organs have been compromised, a treatment plan must be developed to address it.
In cases where phospholipidosis is a risk, doctors will provide their patients with information about drug complications and warning signs of drug interactions. Tests to check for phospholipids in body tissues may be recommended, and doctors are especially alert for decline in respiratory function and signs of liver and kidney disease. It is important to identify harmful drug interactions and reactions early, before they cause permanent damage or result in complications requiring extensive treatment.
Medications associated with phospholipidosis include angina medications, antidepressant medications, antimalarials, and medications designed to lower blood cholesterol levels. Drug-induced phospholipidosis (DIPL) is a concern for patients taking these drugs, as are other potential side effects and complications.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
