title: Reversible renal failure in a patient with the hypereosinophilia syndrome during therapy with alpha interferon.
abstract: Human recombinant interferon (IFN)-alpha (alpha)-2b was given to a 57-year-old man with hypereosinophilia syndrome refractory to prednisone and hydroxyurea. One year later, he developed progressive renal failure and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Percutaneous kidney biopsy showed focal and segmental glomerular and mesangial sclerosis, chronic interstitial nephritis, and focal tubular necrosis. Discontinuation of cytokine therapy led to marked improvement in renal function and significant reduction in proteinuria. The potential role of IFN-alpha as the cause of renal failure and nephrotic-range proteinuria is discussed. The spectrum of renal disease attributed to IFN-alpha and the proposed pathogenic mechanisms are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, USA. gnassar@gems.vcu.edu
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Nassar
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pedro
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Remmers
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Mohanty
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D017681:Hypereosinophilic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000209:etiology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins