Interferon-beta therapy

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Interferon-beta is recognized as first line treatment in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Overall it is considered a safe drug; however, over the years there has been some concern on its effect on the kidneys. Here we present a case of nephrotic syndrome in a young lady suffering from relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis who had been on Interferon-beta-1a therapy for 8 months. Kidney biopsy was consistent with minimal change disease.

The clinical condition started to improve gradually upon cessation of the Interferon therapy and concomitant treatment with prednisolone. The patient attained full and sustained remission after 8 weeks of therapy. This is the third documented case of minimal change disease secondary to therapy with Interferon-beta-1a. This case highlights the importance of regular urinary investigations during Interferon therapy.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, often leading to significant and progressive disability. Evidence suggests that Interferon-beta therapy decreases relapse rates and the formation of new demyelinating lesions in relapsing remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

This drug is usually welltolerated however side effects are relatively common. Documented effects include flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions and laboratory abnormalities such as lymphopenia, neutropenia, and raised liver transaminases.

 Despite its relatively safe profile, isolated cases of nephrotic syndrome and less commonly glomerulonephritis have been reported in the literature. We hereby describe a case of minimal change nephrotic syndrome during treatment with Interferon-beta-1a in a patient with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, who attained full and sustained remission upon drug discontinuation and simultaneous steroid therapy.

 

The Journal of Clinical Nephrology and Therapeutics  publishes scientific manuscripts that are directly or indirectly based on variegated aspects of clinical nephrology, diabetic nephropathy, pediatric nephrology, renal physiology, renal histopathology, immunobiology, intensive care nephrology and ischemic nephropathy.

The journal most specifically emphasizes on the propagation of research developments that may contribute in the furtherance of research and clinical implementation of novel tools as well as adept clinical techniques including renal transplantation, dialysis, diagnostic kidney imaging, aging and kidney disease, hemodialysis, body fluid volume composition, nephron endowment and erythropoietin therapy.

The journal accepts original submissions in the form of Research Articles, Review Articles, Short Communications, Opinion Articles, Case Reports and Commentaries. Acceptance or rejection of the manuscript solely depends upon the comments of independent reviewers. Positive review by at least two reviewers is mandatory for the acceptance and publication of any citable manuscript.

You may submit manuscripts as an email attachment to the following mail-id: clinnephrol@emedscholar.com

Kind Regards,
Mercedes Rose
Editorial Team

Journal of Clinical Nephrology and Therapeutic

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