Nephrotic syndrome associated with interferon-beta-1b therapy for multiple sclerosis

Clin Exp Nephrol. 2006 Sep;10(3):222-5. doi: 10.1007/s10157-006-0424-9.

Abstract

A 43-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) had nephrotic syndrome 21 months after starting treatment with interferon (IFN)-beta-1b (subcutaneous administration). She had taken no drug except for the IFN-beta-1b. Because nephrotic syndrome may be induced by IFN therapy, the IFN was stopped. Percutaneous renal biopsy revealed that she had minimal change nephrotic syndrome. As nephrotic-range proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and general edema were worsening even 2 weeks after cessation of the drug, oral corticosteroid therapy (prednisolone 40 mg/day) was started. The nephrotic syndrome was treated successfully with prednisolone. The dosage of prednisolone was tapered, without a relapse, and then the corticosteroid therapy was stopped. IFN-beta-1b therapy was then resumed, and the patient is in remission for both nephrotic syndrome and MS. Though proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome is a rare adverse effect of IFN-beta-1b therapy, physicians treating MS patients with this agent should pay careful attention to new clinical symptoms and laboratory findings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects*
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta / adverse effects*
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Nephrosis, Lipoid / chemically induced*
  • Nephrosis, Lipoid / drug therapy
  • Nephrosis, Lipoid / pathology
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta
  • Prednisolone