Monoclonal IgG4/2κ Deposition Following Eculizumab Therapy for Recurrent Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Kidney Transplantation

Kidney Med. 2019 May 9;1(3):139-143. doi: 10.1016/j.xkme.2019.03.005. eCollection 2019 May-Jun.

Abstract

Eculizumab is an emerging therapy for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Early identification and treatment of recurrent aHUS after kidney transplantation requires a high clinical suspicion but results in improved graft function and patient outcome. We present a patient who developed recurrent aHUS after kidney transplantation that responded to eculizumab therapy. A kidney biopsy was performed to confirm resolution of thrombotic microangiopathy 8 weeks after eculizumab treatment initiation and revealed no features of thrombotic microangiopathy. Instead, the biopsy revealed monoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG)4/2κ deposition in the glomerular tufts, vasculature, and atrophic tubular basement membranes. IgG4/2κ deposits are a rare pathologic finding following eculizumab therapy, and the long-term effect of these deposits on kidney function remains unknown.

Keywords: Eculizumab; aHUS; thrombotic microangiopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports