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Published on: September 9, 2012
Thrombotic microangiopathy due to acquired complement factor I deficiency in a male receiving interferon-beta
Sanda Mrabet1, Rihem Dahmane1, Boukadida Raja1
1Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, Université de Sousse, Faculté de Médecine de Sousse, Hôpital Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia.
Aims:
Interferon-beta (IFNβ), the most widely prescribed medication for multiple sclerosis, is generally considered safe. Nevertheless, rare serious and/or life-threatening side effects have been reported such as thrombotic microangiopathy. A few mechanisms have been proposed to explain how interferon causes thrombotic microangiopathy, but immunological studies have been unable to pin this phenomenon down to a single pathophysiologic pathway. The aim of this article was to report a new mechanism explaining Interferon beta related thrombotic microangiopathy.
Methods:
We report thrombotic microangiopathy in a 28-year-old male receiving interferon-beta treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Results:
After three years of starting interferon beta therapy, the patient presented with malignant hypertension causing seizures, rapidly progressive renal failure requiring haemodialysis and haemolytic anaemia. Corticosteroid and plasma exchange sessions permitted haemolysis control. Nonetheless, the patient remained hemodialysis-dependent. Exploration of the complement system found a complement factor I deficiency whose activity normalized at the control carried out after 2 years.
Conclusion:
IFNβ treatment may cause complement factor I deficit, which can lead to thrombotic microangiopathy and severe renal failure.
Insights
Interferon beta treatment for multiple sclerosis can cause a rare complication called thrombotic microangiopathy. This condition may stem from a deficiency in complement factor I, leading to severe kidney damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Interferon-beta (IFNβ) is a primary treatment for multiple sclerosis.
- While generally safe, rare side effects like thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) can occur.
- The exact mechanism of IFNβ-induced TMA remains unclear.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male on IFNβ therapy developed TMA.
- Symptoms included severe hypertension, seizures, renal failure requiring dialysis, and hemolytic anemia.
- Complement factor I deficiency was identified, normalizing after 2 years.
Findings:
- IFNβ treatment can induce complement factor I deficiency.
- This deficiency is a potential mechanism for IFNβ-related TMA.
- The condition can lead to significant renal impairment.
Implications:
- Highlights a novel pathway for IFNβ-induced TMA.
- Suggests monitoring complement factor I in patients on IFNβ.
- Informs potential therapeutic strategies for managing this rare side effect.
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