Hydroxychloroquine for subglottic stenosis: a novel therapy in the battle for air

Abstract

Upper airway obstruction due to subglottic edema and granulation tissue proliferation may cause severe morbidity and may be life threatening. Hydroxychloroquine interferes with antigen processing by means of raising lysosomal pH and immune response modulation. Herein, we present the outcome of a steroid-sparing treatment using hydroxychloroquine in an 80-year-old man with acquired subglottic stenosis and steroid dependency. Twice daily oral hydroxychloroquine at 2 mg/kg/day allowed cessation of systemic steroids without recurrence of the stenosis. Successful weaning of the hydroxychloroquine took place over a 5-month period.