Autoimmune glomerulonephritis in a multiple sclerosis patient after cladribine treatment

Mult Scler. 2021 Oct;27(12):1960-1964. doi: 10.1177/13524585211022719. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

Abstract

Background: Oral cladribine is an approved disease-modifying drug for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. In controlled clinical trials as well as in post marketing safety assessments, autoimmune conditions have not yet been reported as a specific side effect of cladribine.

Objective and results: Here, we report a case of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis that occurred shortly after the fourth cladribine treatment cycle.

Conclusion: Neurologists should be attentive to the development of secondary autoimmunity in cladribine-treated patients.

Keywords: Relapsing multiple sclerosis; adverse event; anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies; autoimmune hepatitis; cladribine tablets; secondary autoimmunity; thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cladribine / adverse effects
  • Glomerulonephritis*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cladribine