Thrombotic microangiopathy associated with use of interferon-beta

• Published in: International journal of nephrology and renovascular disease Vol. 5; no. default; pp. 97 - 100
• Main Authors: Olea, Teresa, Díaz-Mancebo, Raquel, Picazo, Maria-Luz, Martínez-Ara, Jorge, Robles, Angel, Selgas, Rafael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Zealand Dove Medical Press Limited 01-01-2012; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Dove Medical Press
• Subjects: Blood clot; Case Report; Dosage and administration; Drug therapy; Interferon; Physiological aspects; Thrombosis; Spain; interferon-beta; multiple sclerosis; thrombotic microangiopathy hemolytic uremic syndrome
• ISSN: 1178-7058; 1178-7058
• DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s30194

Interferon-beta is widely used for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. The drug is usually well tolerated, but autoimmune adverse effects, including kidney disease, have been reported. Only a few cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome-thrombotic microangiopathy associated interferon-alpha have been described so far, and even fewer with beta-interferon. We report a patient who developed thrombotic microangiopathy during treatment with interferon-beta and improved after discontinuation and steroid therapy. Complement cascade and antiphospholipid antibodies are investigated. The spectrum of renal diseases associated with interferon-beta treatment is also reviewed.