[Lymphocytic hypophysitis due to ipilimumap therapy]

Henrik Holm Thomsen1

  • 1Medicinsk Endokrinologisk Afdeling, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. hehoth@gmail.com

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|June 28, 2012
PubMed

Ipilimumab is a newer drug that has shown considerable improvement of survival rates in malignant melanoma. It works by stimulating the immune system. Frequently harmless side effects can be seen, but serious reactions also occur. We report a case of hypophysitis and a case with severe diarrhoea on tapering off from glucocorticoid therapy for hypophysitis. Attentiveness of these adverse reactions is important, since they can be rapidly fatal if they are left untreated. The relevant specialties are required to ensure diagnosis, treatment and follow-up at an early stage.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...