A case of relapsing anti-GBM disease secondary to alemtuzumab therapy

Abstract

We report the first case of relapsing anti-GBM disease secondary to alemtuzumab in a 24-year-old female with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Initial anti-GBM disease was detected 10 months after alemtuzumab was given and was diagnosed by demonstrating high anti-GBM antibody titers and with a confirmatory kidney biopsy. The patient presented with a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with no pulmonary involvement. After appropriate treatment, the patient went into remission with undetectable anti-GBM antibodies. However, 20 months later, the patient re-presented with relapsing anti-GBM disease. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient became dialysis-dependent.