Insulin Autoimmune Syndrome After Exposure to Clopidogrel: A Case Report

Insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is a rare cause of hypoglycemia that is characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hypoglycemia, and a high autoantibody titer. About 50% of patients with IAS have taken a medication containing sulfhydryl (-SH) groups. We present a case of IAS that developed after taking clopidogrel, a drug with an active metabolite that contains an SH-group.

IAS was suspected in a 63-year-old Chinese man because of high concentrations of insulin and C-peptide during hypoglycemic episodes, and positivity for anti-insulin autoantibody (IAA). During his first episode of hypoglycemia, no trigger medication was identified and prednisone therapy was effective. However, imaging examination revealed a colonic carcinoma and the patient was discharged to undergo surgery. He had no episodes of hypoglycemia for 10 weeks after discontinuation of the prednisone, but then hypoglycemia recurred. A review of his medication revealed that he had taken a 10-day course of clopidogrel just before the recurrence. Therefore, a specialized multidisciplinary team consisting of endocrinologists, dieticians, and clinical pharmacists took charge of his management. Prednisone therapy was restarted and tapered off over 16 weeks. The patient also consumed small, frequent, low-carbohydrate meals and was instructed to avoid trigger medications. No further episodes of hypoglycemia were detected. His insulin and C-peptide concentrations and his anti-IAA index normalized during the follow-up period.

SH-group-containing drugs might induce or exacerbate hypoglycemia in patients with a history of IAS. Furthermore, patients with IAS can benefit from multidisciplinary team management. We suggest herein an evaluation process for patients suspected of IAS.