Korean J Nephrol.  2002 Mar;21(2):341-347.

A Case of Hemolytic Uremic Syndome During Interferon-alpha Treatment for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

• Chang JW
• Kim YM
• Seo JW
• Choi KS
• Yoo SJ
• Chi HS
• Yoo CW
• Park SK

Abstract

Interferon-alpha is an established therapy for the patients with myeloproliferative disease. Unusual immune-mediated side effects have been reported during treatment. Among them, renal and cardiac toxicities are rare complications. Recently we experienced a case of hemolytic uremic syndome found in a 40-year old male undergoing interferon-alpha therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic phase. On admission, his chief complaints were generalized edema and azotemia. Bone marrow biopsy revealed transformation into accelerated phase. bcl/abl gene was positive. Peripheral blood smear showed hemolytic anemia. Despite prompt diagnosis, institution of plasmapheresis, and steroid, his renal function did not recover, as expected. Hemolytic uremic syndrome was a chronic form of renal toxicity due to interferon-alpha. In this case, renal function did not recovered to normal level. However, early detection of renal toxicity such as proteinuria or acute tubular necrosis, and the discontinuation of interferon-alpha could achieve the recovery of normal renal function. Therefore, periodic examination of renal function should be performed in the patients with the use of long-term interferon-alpha.

Keyword

Interferon-alpha; Hemolytic uremic syndrome; Chronic myelogenous leukemia

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anemia, Hemolytic
Azotemia
Biopsy
Bone Marrow
Diagnosis
Edema
Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
Humans
Interferon-alpha*
Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive*
Male
Necrosis
Plasmapheresis
Proteinuria
Interferon-alpha