Remission of nephrotic syndrome after thalidomide therapy in a patient with Castleman's disease

Clin Nephrol. 2004 May;61(5):352-6. doi: 10.5414/cnp61352.

Abstract

Castleman's is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder secondary to lymphoid follicle hyperplasia and marked capillary proliferation with endothelial hyperplasia. This illness can be associated with glomerulonephritis (GN). Here, we report a case with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome secondary to proliferative mesangial glomerulonephritis in a patient with Castleman's disease, that was diagnosed several years before. Considering the involvement of IL-6 in Castleman's disease we treated the patient with thalidomide obtaining the remission of the nephrotic syndrome. Our experience suggests a possible role of thalidomide in the treatment of glomerular pathology when a role of IL-6 is hypothesized.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Castleman Disease / complications*
  • Female
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / complications*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / drug therapy
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Glomerulus / pathology
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / etiology
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Thalidomide