A case of relapsing anti-GBM disease secondary to alemtuzumab therapy

CEN Case Rep. 2024 Jun;13(3):209-214. doi: 10.1007/s13730-023-00822-6. Epub 2023 Nov 9.

Abstract

We report the first case of relapsing anti-GBM disease secondary to alemtuzumab in a 24-year-old female with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Initial anti-GBM disease was detected 10 months after alemtuzumab was given and was diagnosed by demonstrating high anti-GBM antibody titers and with a confirmatory kidney biopsy. The patient presented with a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with no pulmonary involvement. After appropriate treatment, the patient went into remission with undetectable anti-GBM antibodies. However, 20 months later, the patient re-presented with relapsing anti-GBM disease. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient became dialysis-dependent.

Keywords: Alemtuzumab; Anti-GBM disease; Glomerulonephritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alemtuzumab* / adverse effects
  • Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease* / chemically induced
  • Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting* / drug therapy
  • Recurrence
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Alemtuzumab