1. Thyroid Autoimmunity Following Alemtuzumab Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
- Author
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Paraskevi Kazakou, Elisabeth Andreadou, Evangelia Zapanti, Constantinos Kilidireas, Aigli G Vakrakou, Georgios Koutsis, Dimitrios Tzanetakos, John Tzartos, Maria Anagnostouli, and Maria Eleptheria Evangelopoulos
- Subjects
Thyroid ,endocrine system ,endocrine system diseases ,business.industry ,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism ,Multiple sclerosis ,medicine.disease ,Text mining ,Thyroid autoimmunity ,Immunology ,medicine ,Alemtuzumab ,business ,AcademicSubjects/MED00250 ,medicine.drug ,Thyroid Autoimmunity, COVID-19 & Thyroid Disease - Abstract
Alemtuzumab, a humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, is approved for the treatment of highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The principal adverse effect is the development of secondary autoimmune disorders during the immune reconstitution period after alemtuzumab, with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) being the most common. To define the type, timing and course of AITD after alemtuzumab treatment for MS we analyzed clinical and serologic data from 31 patients (follow-up range 8 to 58 months). Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) with positive anti-TPO and/or anti-Tg antibodies was present at baseline in four patients. Of note, one of them 13 months after the first dose developed mild hyperthyroidism [stimulating TRAbs: 1,8U/L, normal range:40 U/L) as well as anti-Tg antibodies. Seven cases of HT with positive anti-TPO/anti-Tg antibodies were documented, of which one developed hypothyroidism. During follow-up, two successful pregnancies were recorded. The first, a 32-year-old woman, developed HT with hypothyroidism 12 months after the first cycle of alemtuzumab and gave birth to a healthy boy 22 months following last dose. The second, a 31-year-old woman, developed GD hyperthyroidism during the first trimester of pregnancy and was started on PTU that was stopped in the beginning of the second trimester. TRAbs titer declined and a healthy girl was delivered. Contrary to published literature, we recorded frequent occurrence of GD with fluctuating and unpredictable course requiring block and replace ATD regimen. This is suggestive of alternating stimulating and inhibitory TRAbs, while further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for Th1-Th2 balance and cytokine pathways towards AITD. Pretreatment screening and careful follow-up allow for early diagnosis and treatment. Finally, concerning future pregnancies post-alemtuzumab it is important to address the risk for secondary AITD in women of childbearing age in conjunction with their treating obstetrician.
- Published
- 2021