Hemophagocytic syndrome following alemtuzumab treatment for multiple sclerosis: A case report

Abstract

Background: Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD-52, used for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods: We present a case of a 44-year-old male with RRMS who was admitted due to fever and jaundice after starting treatment with alemtuzumab 12 months ago.

Results: He was diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome (HS). Liver biopsy revealed images of hemophagocytosis in Kupffer cells of lobular sinusoid. Management consisted of treatment with corticosteroids.

Conclusion: HS is a severe condition marked by an excessive activation of the immune system that leads to a rapid and progressive multi-organ failure, so it is important to consider it in the differential diagnosis of a fever syndrome following the administration of alemtuzumab.

Keywords: Adverse effects; Alemtuzumab; Autoimmune disease; Corticosteroids; Hemophagocytic syndrome; Multiple sclerosis.