Suppression of an antibody to adenosine-deaminase (ADA) in an ADA-deficient patient receiving polyethylene glycol modified adenosine deaminase

Ann Allergy. 1993 Jun;70(6):462-6.

Abstract

An adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficient patient with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) developed resistance to therapeutic injections of bovine ADA conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG-ADA). This 18-year-old girl was diagnosed as having partial ADA deficiency at age 7 years, and was started on bovine conjugated PEG-ADA at age 15 years. The weekly dose of 15 U/kg led to clinical improvement with resolution of sinusitis and bronchitis within 2 months and normalization of some T cell functions. After 5 months, however, she developed an inhibitory antibody to ADA, became refractory to treatment with PEG-ADA, and clinically and immunologically deteriorated. This antibody was successfully suppressed over a 4-month period with a combination of prednisone (2 mg/kg/day), intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg/dose), and discontinuing the PEG-ADA injections for 7 weeks. The PEG-ADA injections were then restarted at a higher dose (20 U/kg/dose, twice a week). With the suppression of the inhibitory antibody, her clinical and immunologic status improved to previously achieved level. She has subsequently continued treatment for over 36 months, receiving a single weekly dose of PEG-ADA (20 U/kg/week) with sustained clinical and immunologic improvement, including weakly positive antigen-specific T cell proliferative responses to tetanus and Candida.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Deaminase / administration & dosage
  • Adenosine Deaminase / deficiency*
  • Adenosine Deaminase / immunology*
  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Polyethylene Glycols / metabolism
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use*
  • Protein Binding
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency / blood
  • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency / drug therapy*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Adenosine Deaminase