Polyarthritis and anemia in a hemodialysis patient: systemic lupus erythematosus following treatment with interferon alpha

Clin Nephrol. 2010 Apr;73(4):318-20. doi: 10.5414/cnp73318.

Abstract

Autoimmune manifestations may occur with interferon alpha (IFNalpha) therapy. However IFNalpha-induced systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare event. We report a 33-year-old hemodialysis patient who presented polyarthritis and anemia 4 months after initiation of IFNalpha for chronic hepatitis C. Systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed. Clinical symptoms improved rapidly with interruption of the treatment and a low-dose steroid therapy. This is the first case of IFN-induced SLE in a hemodialysis patient to confirm the major role of IFNalpha in the lupus physiopathology. Treatment with steroid therapy does not seem to worsen the HCV infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia / chemically induced
  • Anemia / diagnosis
  • Anemia / immunology
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Arthritis / chemically induced
  • Arthritis / diagnosis
  • Arthritis / immunology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / immunology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Prednisone