Successful use of tocilizumab in a patient with nephrotic syndrome due to a rapidly progressing AA amyloidosis secondary to latent tuberculosis

Amyloid. 2011 Dec;18(4):235-9. doi: 10.3109/13506129.2011.613962. Epub 2011 Oct 12.

Abstract

AA (secondary) amyloidosis is one of the most severe and uncommon complications of several rheumatic disorders and chronic infections such as tuberculosis (TB). Successful treatment depends on the control of the underlying inflammatory process, what can lead to an improvement or a regression in organ dysfunction. If the disorder persists, it has been reported in some cases of AA amyloidosis secondary to rheumatic diseases, that the use of biologic therapy is so far the only opportunity to reduce the development of AA amyloidosis and to reverse established deposits. We report herein a case of a latent TB infection complicated by a life-threatening AA amyloidosis presented as nephrotic syndrome. After an adequate antituberculostatic treatment, AA amyloidosis remained active and Tocilizumab (TCZ) was started with a dramatic resolution of the proteinuria, stabilization of the amyloid deposits and improvement in general condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amyloidosis / drug therapy
  • Amyloidosis / etiology
  • Amyloidosis / pathology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Colon / metabolism
  • Colon / pathology
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid / therapeutic use
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Latent Tuberculosis / complications
  • Latent Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Latent Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / etiology
  • Proteinuria / drug therapy
  • Radiography
  • Serum Amyloid A Protein / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Serum Amyloid A Protein
  • tocilizumab
  • Isoniazid