POEMS syndrome demonstrating VEGF decrease by ticlopidine.
POEMS syndrome is a syndrome that presents with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-proteins and skin changes. Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has recently been reported in POEMS syndrome. We report a case of POEMS syndrome with high VEGF titers. Steroid, plasmapheresis and intravenous gamma-globulin had little effect. Various immunosuppressive agents were discontinued due to side effects. Although administration of aspirin did not decrease VEGF, ticlopidine decreased VEGF significantly. This case suggests that ticlopidine is a candidate for supportive therapy in POEMS syndrome and we should measure VEGF before and after the administration of ticlopidine in other cases.
Matsui
Hideaki
H
Department of Neurology, Sumitomo Hospital, Osaka.
Udaka
Fukashi
F
Kubori
Tamotsu
T
Oda
Masaya
M
Nishinaka
Kazuto
K
Kameyama
Masakuni
M
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016878:POEMS Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D013988:Ticlopidine