Eculizumab for drug-induced de novo posttransplantation thrombotic microangiopathy: A case report

Clin Nephrol. 2015 Feb;83(2):125-9. doi: 10.5414/CN108163.

Abstract

De novo thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) following renal transplantation is a severe complication associated with high rates of allograft failure. Several immunosuppressive agents are associated with TMA. Conventional approaches to managing this entity, such as withdrawal of the offending agent and/or plasmapheresis, often offer limited help, with high rates of treatment failure and graft loss. We herein report a case of drug induced de novo TMA successfully treated using the C5a inhibitor eculizumab in a renal transplant patient. This report highlights a potentially important role for eculizumab in settings where drug-induced de novo TMA is refractory to conventional therapies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Tacrolimus / administration & dosage
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects*
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / chemically induced
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / diagnosis
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / drug therapy*
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • eculizumab
  • Tacrolimus