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[Acute renal insufficiency secondary to interferon]
A Laboudi1, R Makdassi, G Choukroun
1Service de néphrologie et de médecine interne, Hôpital Sud, Amiens.
Nephrologie
|August 2, 2003
Summary
Alpha interferon (IFN) can cause kidney problems, like acute renal failure, in cancer patients. This case shows renal function improved after stopping IFN, with dialysis and steroids.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Alpha interferon (IFN) is a therapeutic agent used for malignancies and viral hepatitis.
- Renal involvement is a known side effect, often presenting as proteinuria.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old man with metastatic digestive carcinoid neoplasia developed acute renal failure (serum creatinine 151 mumol/l) during alpha interferon therapy.
- The patient did not present with nephrotic syndrome, but renal biopsy revealed tubulointerstitial infiltration by mononuclear cells.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of alpha interferon therapy led to improvement in renal function.
- Adjunctive treatments including dialysis and steroid administration contributed to the recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of alpha interferon-induced acute kidney injury.
- Early recognition and management, including drug withdrawal and supportive care, are crucial for favorable outcomes in patients receiving alpha interferon.