Acquired hemophilia A and other autoimmune diseases after alemtuzumab therapy for multiple sclerosis: A report of two cases.

Mult Scler Relat Disord

Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.. Electronic address:

Published: September 2020

AI Article Synopsis

  • Alemtuzumab (ALZ) is a monoclonal antibody used to treat recurrent remittent multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by depleting CD52-expressing T and B cells, while preserving stem and innate immune cells.
  • Long-term studies have linked ALZ to autoimmune diseases like thrombocytopenic purpura and thyroiditis, with two new reported cases of autoimmune hemophilia A (AHA) following ALZ infusion in Brazil.
  • AHA is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly, highlighting the need for specific coagulation tests and monitoring after ALZ treatment.

Article Abstract

Alemtuzumab (ALZ) is an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody used to treat recurrent remittent multiple sclerosis (RRMS). After ALZ infusion, there is a depletion of T and B cells expressing CD52, while the stem cells and innate immune cells are spared. Longitudinal studies with long periods of follow-ups have reported ALZ-associated autoimmune diseases, such as thrombocytopenic purpura and thyroiditis. We report two patients who developed autoimmune hemophilia A or acquired hemophilia (AHA) after ALZ infusion, one of whom developed severe vitiligo. To the best of our knowledge, these two cases of ALZ-associated AHA are the first two cases to be reported in Brazil, and the fourth and fifth AHA cases to be reported worldwide. AHA is a potential life-threatening disease if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. The development of AHA should be cited as a possible adverse event, and specific coagulation tests must be part of the official recommendations for patient follow-ups.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2020.102181DOI Listing

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