Myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive crescentic glomerulonephritis complicating the course of Graves' disease: report of three adult cases

Type 3 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS-3) or type 3 multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS-3): an expanding galaxy

BACKGROUND

The number of recognised distinct autoimmune diseases (AIDs) has progressively increased over the years with more than 100 being reported today. The natural history of AIDs is characterized by progression from latent and subclinical to clinical stages and is associated with the presence of the specific circulating autoantibodies. Once presented, AIDs are generally chronic conditions. AIDs have the tendency to cluster and co-occur in a single patient. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are the most prevalent of AIDs in the world population, and about one-third of the AITD patients also present with a non-thyroid AID during their life-span. Furthermore, patient with non-thyroid AIDs often presents with a form of AITD as a concurrent condition. Many of the clusters of AIDs are well characterized as distinctive syndromes, while some are infrequent and only described in case reports.

PURPOSE

In this review, we describe the wide spectrum of the combinations and the intricate relationships between AITD and the other AIDs, excluding Addison's disease. These combinations are collectively termed type 3 Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS-3), also called type 3 Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome (MAS-3), and represent the most frequent APS in the world populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous associations of AITD with various AIDs could be viewed as if the other AIDs were gravitating like satellites around AITD located in the center of a progressively expanding galaxy of autoimmunity.

The onset of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis immediately after methimazole was switched to propylthiouracil in a woman with Graves' disease who wished to become pregnant

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is recommended as a first-line antithyroid drug (ATD) during first trimester organogenesis in pregnancy because recent evidence suggests that methimazole (MMI) may be associated with congenital anomalies. However, PTU more commonly causes myeloperoxidase (MPO)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, which usually occurs during prolonged treatment, compared with MMI. We report a case of MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis in a 35-year-old woman with Graves'disease. Although her thyroid function could be maintained euthyroid by MMI, her ATD was switched to PTU because she wished to become pregnant. The patient presented with flu-like symptoms 8 days after starting PTU and developed hemoptysis and dyspnea at 22 days. Her MPO-ANCA titer was 21 ELISA units (EUs) before PTU treatment but increased to 259 EUs at 22 days after PTU treatment. Her clinical condition improved with the discontinuation of PTU and with immunosuppressive therapy. This case indicated that MPO-ANCA vasculitis occurred within several weeks after the initiation of PTU and that this side effect could be caused by the change from MMI to PTU. Thus, our clinical observation suggests that patients treated with PTU should be carefully monitored for MPO-ANCA titers and variable manifestations of MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis regardless of the period of administration.

[Case of microscopic polyangiitis and giant cell arteritis after influenza vaccination]

We report a case of microscopic polyangiitis (mPA) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) (polyangiitis overlap syndrome) after influenza vaccination. A 67-year-old female with chronic kidney disease, who had been observed by a physician, presented fever and headache after immunization of influenza vaccine. She was diagnosed as having with mPA and GCA based on symptoms, worsening of renal function, biopsy of temporal artery (giant cell arteritis) and skin (microscopic polyangiitis), pulmonary involvement and the presence of myeloperoxidase-specific anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA). She was treated with prednisolone (PSL) and the symptoms were improved. However, two months later she was presented with general physical weariness. She was diagnosed as having with pneumocystis pneumonia, cytomegalovirus infection and cryptococcosis. Despite intensive treatment, she was died and autopsy was performed. The present case suggests that the influenza vaccination may cause different types of vasculitis, mPA and GCA, through the common mechanism in pathophysiology. This patient is also the first case of mPA and GCA proven by histological examination.

A comparison of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody prevalence in patients treated and untreated for hyperthyroidism

We aimed to compare the prevalence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and its subgroups between on-treatment (with anti-thyroid drugs; propylthiouracil, methimazole) and untreated patients with hyperthyroidism in our unit. Overall 78 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study; 45 patients were on-treatment (female/male 31:14) and 33 were newly diagnosed (female/male 20:13). We have studied ANCA, perinuclear-ANCA (p-ANCA), cytoplasmic-ANCA (c-ANCA), myeloperoxidase-ANCA (mpo-ANCA), and proteinase 3-ANCA (pr3-ANCA) in sera of all the patients. The data about clinical status, laboratory tests, and physical examination and mean duration of treatment in treated group were recorded. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for ANCA, c-ANCA, and pr3-ANCA (P=0.13, P=0.07, and P=0.63 respectively). p-ANCA and mpo-ANCA prevalences were significantly higher in on-treatment group than in untreated group (P=0.04 and P=0.01, respectively). The mean duration of treatment was 17 months in on-treatment group. The use of antithyroid drugs (propylthiouracil, methimazole) seems to be correlated with increased prevalence of ANCA. These drugs may especially increase p-ANCA and mpo-ANCA positivity.

Clinical characteristics of myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis caused by antithyroid drugs

CONTEXT

The clinical characteristics of myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA)-associated vasculitis caused by antithyroid drugs are still unclear because most reports describe only a small number of patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to analyze a large number of patients with MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis to determine the time of onset, the drug and dose taken, the clinical symptoms, the relationship between the clinical symptoms and the MPO-ANCA titer, and the incidence.

DESIGN

We analyzed 92 patients in whom the adverse reaction of MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis was reported to Chugai Pharmaceutical, a company that markets antithyroid drugs.

RESULTS

Of the 92 patients, 41 (44.6%) had single-organ failure, 32 (34.8%) had two-organ failure, 13 (14.1%), had three-organ failure, and two (2.2%) had four-organ failure. The number of organs involved was unknown in the other four patients (4.3%). The median time of onset was 42 months (range, 1-372 months) after starting drug treatment. The median dose at onset of MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis was 15 mg/d (range, 2.5-45 mg/d) for methimazole and 200 mg/d (50-450 mg/d) for propylthiouracil. The severity and number of organs involved were not correlated with the MPO-ANCA titer. The incidence was between 0.53 and 0.79 patients per 10,000, and the ratio of the estimated incidences for methimazole and propylthiouracil was 1:39.2.

CONCLUSIONS

The time of onset of MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis and the dose at onset varied. The severity and number of organs involved were not correlated with the MPO-ANCA titer, indicating a need for vigilance even when the MPO-ANCA titer is only weakly positive.

Benzylthiouracil-induced glomerulonephritis

Vasculitis is a rare complication of antithyroid drugs (ATDs). It was first described with Propylthiouracil (PTU). We report a new case of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis with glomerulonephritis induced by Benzylthiouracile (BTU). A 50-year-old man with Graves disease treated with BTU developed general malaise and haematuria without skin rash or respiratory involvement. Laboratory data revealed acute renal failure with proteinuria and haematuria. An indirect immunofluorescence test for ANCA was positive, showing a perinuclear pattern with specificity antimyeloperoxidase (MPO). A renal biopsy was performed and revealed pauci-immune extracapillary glomerular nephropathy and necrotic vasculitis lesions. Based on these findings we concluded to the diagnosis of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis associated with ANCA induced by BTU therapy. The drug was therefore discontinued and the patient was treated with steroids and immunosuppressive treatment during 3 months. Renal failure, proteinuria and haematuria significantly improved within 2 months. However, P-ANCA remained positive until 10 months after drug withdrawal. Thyroid function was kept within normal range using iodine solution. We demonstrated clearly that BTU may induce severe forms of vasculitis with glomerulonephritis. Thus, the ANCA must be measured when confronted to systemic manifestation during treatment.

Churg-Strauss Syndrome following PTU Treatment

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a frequently prescribed drug in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. The use of PTU is, however, accompanied by numerous potentially serious side effects including vasculitis. PTU-related vasculitides can present as haematuria, pulmonary haemorrhage, or cutaneous lesion together with aspecific symptoms such as fever, myalgia, arthralgia, and fatigue. Cerebral involvement is seldom observed. We present a 49-year-old female with Graves' disease and asthma, who developed paresis of the proximal extremities, eosinophilia, pulmonary, and cutaneous lesions following treatment with PTU. A cerebral vasculitis consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) was suspected. Although cerebral involvement is seldom observed with PTU treatment, cerebral vasculitis should be considered in patients developing CNS symptoms.

Prevalence and clinical significance of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in Graves' patients treated with propylthiouracil

Development of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) during therapy with propylthiouracil (PTU) is not uncommon and PTU-induced ANCA-positive vasculitis is also reported. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and clinical significance of ANCA positivity in Graves' patients treated with PTU. Newly diagnosed Graves' disease patients (prospective group, n = 58) were evaluated before and during therapy with PTU to investigate the development of ANCA positivity. ANCA positivity is also investigated in previously diagnosed Graves' patients who had already been receiving PTU treatment (cross-sectional group, n = 51). Comparisons with Hashimoto thyroiditis (n = 55) and toxic nodular goitre (n = 20) patients, and healthy control subjects (n = 20) were carried out to define the possible influence of hyperthyroidism and/or thyroid autoimmunity on ANCA positivity. At baseline evaluation, ANCA was negative in all newly diagnosed Graves' patients. Only 28 of the 58 patients in prospective group completed 2 years of follow-up which occurred at 3-month intervals. ANCA positivity was detected 32.1% (n = 9) in a mean period of 11.7 +/- 6.1 months in prospective group. Only two (3.9%) patients in a cross-sectional group had ANCA positivity in a mean treatment period of 7.6 +/- 4.6 months. None of the patients with ANCA positivity developed symptoms and signs related to vasculitis. None of the patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis and toxic nodular goitre, and healthy control subjects had ANCA positivity. PTU therapy is associated with asymptomatic production of ANCA in a time-dependent manner, which mostly disappears after discontinuation of therapy. Hyperthyroidism or autoimmunity per se does not appear to have effect on development of ANCA positivity.

[Benzylthiouracil induced ANCA-positive vasculitis: study of three cases and review of the literature]

INTRODUCTION

Vasculitis with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been reported in patients treated with anti-thyroid drugs, especially propylthiouracil. Benzylthiouracil, which exhibits similar structural likeness with propylthiouracil, has been recently observed to be associated with Anca-positive vasculitis.

CASES REPORT

We present a study of three women with Grave's disease aged 21, 37 and 40 years, who were treated with benzylthiouracil. These patients developed vasculitis characterized by constitutional symptoms (two patients), joint pain (two patients), renal involvement (two patients), pulmonary hemorrhage (one patient) and multiple neuropathy (one patient). All patients presented p-ANCA with anti-MPO pattern. Discontinuation of benzylthiouracil and treatment with corticosteroids improved systemic involvement in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Much like other anti-thyroid drugs, benzylthiouracil can be associated with ANCA-positive vasculitis. Because of the gravity of this complication, clinical monitoring is recommended in patients taking benzylthiouracil. If vasculitis develops, the anti-thyroid drug should be discontinued and corticosteroid treatment, with immunosuppressors in some cases, is initiated.

Clinical and Pathological Features of Renal Involvement in Propylthiouracil-Associated ANCA-Positive Vasculitis

BACKGROUND

The kidney is one of the organs affected in patients with propylthiouracil (PTU)-associated antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis. We present a series of Chinese patients with renal involvement in PTU-associated ANCA-positive vasculitis and describe their clinical and pathological characteristics.

METHODS

Clinical and pathological data from patients with PTU-associated ANCA-positive vasculitis with renal involvement, diagnosed in Peking University First Hospital, were collected and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with PTU-associated ANCA-positive vasculitis were treated at Peking University First Hospital between December 1999 and December 2005, and 15 of them had renal involvement. Of the 15 patients, 13 were female and 2 were male, with an average age of 26.3 +/- 11.8 years. All 15 patients were perinuclear ANCA positive with specificities to myeloperoxidase (15 of 15), cathepsin G (9 of 15), human leukocyte elastase (8 of 15), lactoferrin (7 of 15), azurocidin (5 of 15), and proteinase 3 (4 of 15). Duration of PTU administration was 43.0 +/- 31.2 months. All 15 patients had clinical markers of renal involvement, including hematuria (100%), proteinuria (100%), and renal function abnormality (47%). All 15 patients underwent percutaneous renal biopsy. Ten patients had necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis, and 7 of these 10 patients had immune complex deposition. Three patients had minimal involvement, 2 patients had immunoglobulin A nephropathy, and 2 patients had membranous nephropathy. PTU treatment was discontinued in all 15 patients. All except 2 patients with minimal renal involvement received immunosuppressive treatment. Eleven of 15 patients achieved complete clinical remission.

CONCLUSION

Renal involvement in our case series of patients with PTU-associated ANCA-positive vasculitis was heterogeneous, and nearly half our patients had renal immune complex deposition.

Propylthiouracil-Induced Autoimmune Syndromes: Two Distinct Clinical Presentations with Different Course and Management

OBJECTIVES

To report 4 cases of propythiouracil (PTU)-induced lupus or vasculitis and to review the literature on that subject.

METHODS

We describe the clinical presentation, course, and outcome of 4 patients and review the medical literature registered in the Medline PubMed database from 1966 to 2004 by using the keywords: Graves, thyrotoxicosis, propylthiouracil, lupus, vasculitis, arthritis, rash, ANA, and ANCA. Cases were classified into drug-induced lupus (DIL) or vasculitis using accepted definitions and evaluated with emphasis on gender, age, origin, duration of treatment, delay in diagnosis, clinical and serological features, and outcome.

RESULTS

We described our 4 patients and analyzed 42 well-documented cases of DIL- and PTU-induced vasculitis (30 had vasculitis and 12 fulfilled the classification criteria of DIL). Patients with vasculitis were significantly older (mean 43 versus 22 years) and had a longer duration of treatment in comparison with DIL (35 versus 24 weeks). Musculoskeletal symptoms were prominent in DIL, while renal and pulmonary involvement was found in a significantly higher proportion of PTU-induced vasculitis. ANA, anti-DNA, and anti-histone were predominantly found in DIL, while p-ANCA was found in a similar proportion of patients in both groups. c-ANCA was detected only in patients with vasculitis. All patients with DIL completely recovered (most after stopping PTU), while about 50% of PTU-induced vasculitis needed steroids or immunosuppressive drugs, including cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the cases of PTU-induced autoimmune phenomena are due to vasculitis. Despite the common presence of p-ANCA in both DIL- and PTU-induced vasculitis, substantial differences in demographic, clinical, and outcome features of these entities allow an accurate diagnosis and consequent management.

Titre and affinity of propylthiouracil-induced anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies are closely associated with the development of clinical vasculitis

Substantial evidences suggested that propylthiouracil (PTU) could induced anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies in sera from patients with hyperthyroidism, however, only a subgroup of the PTU-induced anti-MPO antibody positive patients developed clinical evident vasculitis. The aim of this study is to compare the titres and affinities of PTU induced anti-MPO antibodies in sera from patients with hyperthyroidism with and without clinical vasculitis. Anti-MPO antibody positive sera from patients diagnosed hyperthyroidism with (n = 13) and without (n = 14) clinical evident vasculitis were collected. The titre was determined by MPO-ELISA and expressed as logarithm value (lgT). The affinity constant (aK) of anti-MPO IgG was measured by antigen inhibition assay. The titre and aK values were compared between patients with and without vasculitis. In patients with vasculitis, the mean lgT of anti-MPO antibodies was 3.62 +/- 0.66; the median aK was 4.47 x 10(7)M(-1). In patients without vasculitis, the mean lgT was 2.54 +/- 0.29; the median aK was 0.14 x 10(7)M(-1), and both were significant lower than those in patients with vasculitis (t = 5.464; P = 0.000 & z = -4.373; P = 0.000, respectively). We concluded that the titre and affinity of anti-MPO antibodies might be associated with the development of clinical vasculitis in patients with PTU-induced ANCA.

Necrotizing glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage associated with carbimazole therapy

Methimazole, carbimazole, and propylthiouracil (PTU) are the mainstays of antithyroid drug therapy. Adverse effects of these drugs have been documented in less than 15% of patients undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism. Common problems include fever, skin rash, urticaria, arthralgias, and arthritis. Vasculitis associated with antineutrophil anticytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) has been reported on several occasions following treatment with PTU. However, vasculitis rarely appears to be associated with carbimazole. We report the clinical history of a woman with a necrotizing glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage associated with carbimazole therapy.

Vascularite à anticorps anticytoplasme de polynucléaires neutrophiles induite par le benzylthio-uracile

INTRODUCTION

Several cases of vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been reported in patients treated with synthetic anti-thyroid drugs but only 2 cases have incriminated benzylthiouracil.

OBSERVATION

A 36 year-old woman, 3 years after treatment with benzylthiouracil, rapidly developed progressive kidney failure, related to a pauci-immune extra-capillary glomerular nephropathy and necrotic vasculitis lesions. The search for p-ANCA was positive with anti-myeloperoxidase specificity. She was treated with corticosteroids and 6 monthly intravenous pulses of cyclophosphamide substituted by azathioprine. Renal failure and proteinuria significantly improved. However the high level of p-ANCA.

CONCLUSION

ANCA vascularities are a rare but serious complication of treatment with synthetic thiouracile-type anti-thyroid drugs. The ANCA must be measured when confronted with a systemic manifestation during treatment.

Sweet's syndrome associated with propylthiouracil-induced antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody

Abstract A 44-year-old woman had tender erythematous nodules in both the upper and lower extremities, headache, and fever during the course of propylthiouracil therapy for Graves' disease. Serologic tests showed high titers of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) against myeloperoxidase (MPO). A skin biopsy showed neutrophilic dermatitis consistent with Sweet's syndrome. After the cessation of propylthiouracil therapy and the administration of steroids, all her symptoms disappeared and the titer of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody against myeloperoxidase decreased. A causal relationship between propylthiouracil (PTU) therapy and Sweet's syndrome is suggested.

Propylthiouracil-Induced Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies

OBJECTIVE

To report the case of a young woman with Graves' disease in whom ototoxicity developed because of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis.

METHODS

We present the clinical findings, pertinent laboratory data, and follow-up course of a patient with Graves' disease and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. We also provide a literature review regarding thionamide-induced ANCA-associated vasculitis.

RESULTS

In a 22-year-old Thai woman with Graves' disease, tinnitus, hearing impairment in the left ear (with progression to the right ear), and vertigo developed after 3 years of therapy with PTU. Audiograms showed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with cochlear lesions. She also had low-grade fever, intermittent chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, polyarthralgia, and conjunctivitis. An indirect immunofluorescence test for ANCA was positive. The hearing impairment and tinnitus were gradually reduced after PTU withdrawal and corticosteroid and azathioprine treatment. Definitive therapy by subtotal thyroidectomy was subsequently performed and yielded good results.

CONCLUSION

This rare case of PTU-induced ANCA-associated vasculitis manifested with ototoxicity in combination with systemic involvement.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients with Graves' disease: association of antimyeloperoxidase autoantibodies with propylthiouracil therapy

Abstract Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitic disorders have been reported in patients with Graves' disease during propylthiouracil (PTU) therapy. To investigate whether ANCA are found in serum samples from patients with Graves' disease, and whether PTU therapy is associated with ANCA positivity, levels of serum ANCA were examined in Graves'-disease patients receiving either PTU (n = 49) or 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole (methimazole, MMI) (n = 50), and in untreated Graves'-disease patients (n = 32) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (n = 46) were also analyzed. Antimyeloperoxidase (MPO) autoantibodies (MPO-ANCA) were present in 10 (20.4%) of 49 Graves'-disease patients receiving PTU therapy, whereas MPO-ANCA were not detected in Graves'-disease patients receiving MMI, in untreated Graves'-disease patients, or in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients. The MPO-ANCA-positive sera showed a perinuclear staining pattern which was detected by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using a human polymorphonuclear leukocyte-cytospin preparation. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that MPO-ANCA in the Graves'-disease patients, as well as MPO-ANCA in patients with idiopathic pauci-immune necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis, recognize the 105-kD protein of native MPO. These results indicate that MPO-ANCA in Graves'-disease patients are strongly associated with PTU therapy, and not simply related to the autoimmune thyroid disease. This study also suggests that the presence of MPO-ANCA alone may not be sufficient for the development of vasculitic disorders.

[ANCA associated glomerulonephritis related to benzylthiouracil]

INTRODUCTION

Vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been reported in patients suffering from Graves' disease treated with anti-thyroid drugs and especially propylthiouracil (PTU).

EXEGESIS

We report a case of Graves' disease treated with benzylthiouracil (Basdène). This therapy was complicated by acute renal insufficiency due to crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with pANCA. After benzylthiouracil withdrawal and under corticosteroids, renal insufficiency, biological inflammation and pANCA levels decreased.

CONCLUSION

Similar vasculitis associated with pANCA secondary to anti-thyroid drugs, especially propylthiouracil, were described. This suggests a causal relation between drug and vasculitis. To our best knowledge, it is the first case of vasculitis secondary to benzylthiouracil.

Prevalence of serum anti-myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) in patients with Graves' disease treated with propylthiouracil and thiamazole

Patients with Graves' disease (n = 61) treated with propylthiouracil (PTU) or thiamazole (MMI) were studied retrospectively to investigate differences in the prevalence of anti-myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) in relation to treatment with anti-thyroid drugs. The patients were divided into two groups: PTU-treated group (n = 32) and MMI-treated group (n = 29). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender distribution, or duration of treatment. In the PTU group, 8/32 (25%) patients were positive for MPO-ANCA, whereas in the MMI group, 1/29 (3.4%) patients were positive. There were no significant differences in age, duration, or dosage between the MPO-ANCA positive and negative patients. Most of the MPO-ANCA positive patients were asymptomatic, except for two patients in whom rheumatic arthritis or membranous glomerulonephritis developed. None of the MPO-ANCA positive patients were diagnosed as having classical ANCA-associated vasculitis. Thus, there is a high frequency of MPO-ANCA in patients with Graves' disease treated with PTU, compared with patients treated with MMI, although classical ANCA-associated vasculitis develops in only a few MPO-ANCA positive patients.

Clinical features and outcomes in children with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-positive glomerulonephritis associated with propylthiouracil treatment

A retrospective investigation was conducted by members of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Nephrology from 1990 to 1997 to define the clinical features and outcomes in children with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-positive glomerulonephritis associated with propylthiouracil treatment. Seven Japanese pediatric patients who had myeloperoxidase-specific ANCA-positive biopsy-proven pauci-immune necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with propylthiouracil administration were entered in the study. Three patients had nephritis alone, and four had nephritis and extrarenal organ system vasculitis. Females predominated, and the mean age at onset was 14 yr. Propylthiouracil was reduced or discontinued in all patients and was switched to methimazole in three patients. For the treatment of nephritis, five patients received corticosteroids; three had pulse methylprednisolone, one had plasma exchange, and one had plasma exchange and pulse methylprednisolone before initiating oral prednisolone. The remaining two patients received cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids, one of whom had pulse methylprednisolone before initiating oral prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. All patients achieved remission. In general, ANCA titers correlated with the response to treatment and disease activity, with some exceptions. No patient progressed to end-stage renal disease, renal dysfunction, or death during the follow-up period (58 +/- 25 mo; range, 32 to 108 mo). All but one patient remained euthyroid. In conclusion, this experience suggests that the clinical disease spectrum of ANCA-positive disease associated with propylthiouracil treatment is similar in pediatric and adult patients and that the overall prognosis may be better than that in the non-drug-induced ANCA-positive disease.

Cutaneous and systemic manifestations of drug-induced vasculitis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the literature for published cases of drug-induced vasculitis with cutaneous and/or systemic manifestations.

DATA SOURCES

The MEDLINE database was searched from 1965 to December 1999 for articles focusing on drugs and vasculitis, using various search terminologies (e.g., Churg-Strauss syndrome, Goodpasture's syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, various drugs suspected to induce vasculitis). Cases were included when they met the established criteria as described in the methodology.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Drugs found to be most frequently associated with vasculitis were propylthiouracil, hydralazine, colony-stimulating factors, allopurinol, cefaclor, minocycline, D-penicillamine, phenytoin, isotretinoin, and methotrexate. The interval between the first exposure and appearance of symptoms was reported to be extremely variable (hours to years). Vasculitis has occurred after drug dosage increases and after rechallenge with the suspected drug. In the majority of cases, vasculitis has resolved after discontinuing the drug. Patients with more severe, often life-threatening, manifestations have required treatment with corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, hemodialysis, or cyclophosphamide. Death was the result in 10% of all published cases, with a predominance in patients in whom multiple organ systems were involved.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians need to be suspect of drug-induced vasculitis to enable prompt diagnosis and treatment. This should improve patient outcomes based on the data referenced for this article.

Drug-induced vasculitis

DIV is a relatively common cause of inflammatory vasculitis. Drugs from almost every pharmacologic class have been implicated in causing vasculitis in sporadic cases. The level of certainty and quality of evidence for these associations between specific agents and vasculitis vary greatly. The clinical manifestations of DIV range from single organ involvement (most commonly, skin) to life-threatening multiorgan disease. The recently described subset of cases of DIV associated with positive tests for ANCA are an interesting subset of DIV. The diagnosis of DIV is usually one of exclusion. The treatment of DIV is dependent on the severity of disease activity but should always include withdrawal of the suspected drug. If no agent can be implicated, as many drugs as feasible should be discontinued. The necessity of prescribing glucocorticoids or immunosuppressive agents depends on the disease severity and other case-specific information. Increasing understanding of the pathophysiologic characteristics of all inflammatory vasculitides should lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to DIV.

Frequency of appearance of myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) in Graves' disease patients treated with propylthiouracil and the relationship between MPO-ANCA and clinical manifestations

OBJECTIVE

Myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA)-positive vasculitis has been reported in patients with Graves' disease who were treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). The appearance of MPO-ANCA in these cases was suspected of being related to PTU because the titres of MPO-ANCA decreased when PTU was stopped. Nevertheless, there have been no studies on the temporal relationship between the appearance of MPO-ANCA and vasculitis during PTU therapy, or on the incidence of MPO-ANCA in untreated Graves' disease patients. Therefore, we sought to address these parameters in patients with Graves' disease.

PATIENTS

We investigated 102 untreated patients with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease for the presence of MPO-ANCA, and for the development vasculitis after starting PTU therapy. Twenty-nine of them were later excluded because of adverse effects of PTU or because the observation period was less than 3 months. The remaining 73 patients (55 women and 18 men), all of whom were examined for more than 3 months, were adopted as the subjects of the investigation. The median observation period was 23.6 months (range: 3-37 months).

MEASUREMENTS

MPO-ANCA was measured at intervals of 2-6 months.

RESULTS

Before treatment, the MPO-ANCA titres of all 102 untreated Graves' disease patients were within the reference range (below 10 U/ml). Three (4.1%) of the 73 patients were positive for MPO-ANCA at 13, 16 and 17 months, respectively, after the start of PTU therapy. In two of them, the MPO-ANCA titres transiently increased to 12.8 and 15.0 U/ml, respectively, despite continued PTU therapy, but no vasculitic disorders developed. In the third patient, the MPO-ANCA titre increased to 204 U/ml and she developed a higher fever, oral ulcers and polyarthralgia, but the symptoms resolved 2 weeks after stopping PTU therapy, and the MPO-ANCA titre decreased to 20.7 U/ml by 4 months after discontinuing PTU.

CONCLUSIONS

PTU therapy may be related to the appearance of MPO-ANCA, but MPO-ANCA does not appear to be closely related to vasculitis.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with D-penicillamine

We present 3 cases of anti-myeloperoxidase, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA)-positive rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis developed during the treatment with D-penicillamine (D-PC) for rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed in these patients, and D-PC was administered to them at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg per day for 32, 42, and 39 months, respectively. They developed proteinuria, hematuria, renal insufficiency, and anemia, and D-PC was stopped. On admission, MPO-ANCA was strongly positive in their sera. Renal biopsy showed glomerulonephritis with cellular crescents. Immunofluorescence examination revealed deposits of granular IgG, IgM, IgA, C1q, and C3 in the mesangium. The 3 patients were treated with steroid pulse therapy along with administration of anticoagulants, and cyclophosphamide was also used in 2 patients. Their renal function improved gradually and MPO-ANCA disappeared after immunosuppressive treatment.

High prevalence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity in childhood onset Graves' disease treated with propylthiouracil

Propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-related vasculitis and nephritis were recently reported in about 30 patients with hyperthyroidism. The objective of this study was to clarify the prevalence of ANCA and the relationship between ANCA and thyroid antibodies in children with Graves' disease. Titers of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA in sera of 51 patients with childhood onset Graves' disease (16 before treatment, 25 and 10 treated with PTU and methimazole, respectively) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosolvent assay. Antithyroglobulin antibodies (TGAbs) and antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) were also measured by RIA in 25 PTU-treated patients. No patients had clinical manifestations of vasculitis and nephritis. MPO-ANCA was positive in 6.7% of patients before treatment and in 64.0% of those treated with PTU and in none of those treated with methimazole. MPO-ANCA had a significantly positive correlation with TGAbs (P < 0.05) and no significant correlation with TPOAbs. These findings show the high prevalence of the MPO-ANCA positivity in PTU-treated childhood onset Graves' disease, suggesting that PTU may not be preferred as the first line for the treatment of children with Graves' disease. The significant correlation between MPO-ANCA and TGAbs indicates that the severity of Graves' disease may be a factor responsible for the MPO-ANCA positivity. The cross-reactivity between MPO-ANCA and TPOAbs may not play a role in the high prevalence of MPO-ANCA in the patients exposed to PTU.

Treatment with propylthiouracil is associated with appearance of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in some patients with Graves' disease

The use of propylthiouracil (PTU) for the treatment of Graves' disease is associated with few adverse effects such as skin eruptions, liver dysfunction, and agranulocytosis. Furthermore, recent studies described the development of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-related glomerulonephritis and vasculitis in patients treated with PTU. Here we investigated whether PTU therapy per se is associated with the appearance of ANCA in patients with Graves' disease. We analyzed 119 serum samples from 117 patients with Graves' disease treated with either PTU (n = 56), or methimazole (MMI) (n = 21), as well as untreated patients (n = 42). Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA and proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. MPO-ANCA was negative in all patients treated with MMI therapy and untreated patients. However, MPO-ANCA was detected in 21 (37.5%) of 56 patients treated with PTU therapy. Furthermore, two patients who were negative for MPO-ANCA became positive after PTU therapy. The proportion of patients positive for MPO-ANCA increased with the prolongation of PTU therapy, but did not correlate with age, gender, and positive antithyroperoxidase (TPO) antibody. Among 21 MPO-ANCA positive patients, 12 had no symptoms, but 9 patients complained of myalgia, arthralgia, or common cold like symptoms after the appearance of MPO-ANCA. Three patients developed agranulocytosis or granulocytopenia, but none showed abnormal urinary findings. Our results suggest that PTU per se is associated with the production of MPO-ANCA in patients with Graves' disease.

Increased levothyroxine requirements presenting as "inappropriate" TSH secretion syndrome in a patient with nephrotic syndrome

Patients with primary thyroid failure on levothyroxine (LT4) replacement who develop nephrotic syndrome (NS) may rarely present with an increase in LT4 requirements. In this report, we describe a patient with thyroid failure following radioactive iodine ablation for Graves' disease who required an escalation of LT4 doses following the onset of NS. The case presented with disproportionately elevated TSH levels in the presence of normal (or slightly subnormal) thyroid hormone levels, thus, masquerading as a state of "inappropriate" TSH secretion. This pattern of extreme dysregulation in thyroid function indices due to urinary loss of thyroid hormones has not been previously described in NS, and, therefore, extends the spectrum of endocrine manifestations of NS.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and pulmonary capillaritis due to propylthiouracil

Propylthiouracil (PTU) has recently been observed to be associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive small vessel vasculitis, resulting in crescentic glomerulonephritis and, infrequently, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). We describe a case of a 23-year-old pregnant woman who developed a perinuclear ANCA and antimyeloperoxidase-positive small vessel vasculitis manifesting as DAH and crescentic glomerulonephritis after she began taking PTU. An open lung biopsy was consistent with pulmonary capillaritis. She responded to corticosteroid therapy and discontinuation of PTU. DAH can be caused by pulmonary capillaritis, bland hemorrhage, or diffuse alveolar damage. To our knowledge, this represents the first documentation of an underlying pulmonary capillaritis in a case of PTU-induced DAH.

Propylthiouracil hypersensitivity: report of two patients with vasculitis and review of the literature

Two patients with a hypersensitivity vasculitis in association with propylthiouracil (PTU) administration are described. Although both patients presented with a cutaneous eruption, our first patient suffered severe systemic manifestations and the second patient's involvement was primarily limited to the skin. Patients with a vascular hypersensitivity reaction to PTU typically present with constitutional symptoms, acral purpuric skin lesions, and variable involvement of multiple organ systems. The reaction is treated by urgent withdrawal of PTU and implementation of supportive measures and immunosuppressive agents, as necessary. Prompt recognition of this condition and initiation of appropriate therapy lead to complete recovery in most cases.

ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis: Relationship of main ANCA subtypes to renal outcome, age and sex of the patients

BACKGROUND

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been proven to be useful diagnostic tools in patients with systemic vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. These antibodies exist in two types, a cytoplasmic pattern (cANCA) and a perinuclear pattern (pANCA). The effect of the main ANCA subtypes on renal outcome and its relationship to demographic findings and clinical features of patients with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis has not been adequately studied.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

In this prospective study, we compared the clinical features at presentation and the renal outcome after 1 year of follow-up between two groups of patients with cANCA (n=22) and pANCA (n=29) consecutively encountered over a one-year period.

RESULT

At presentation, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), and after 1 year of follow-up, endstage renal disease (ESRD) were seen more commonly in patients with pANCA than cases with cANCA (P=0.001 and P=0.004, respectively). Seropositivity for cANCA was more common in male and pANCA in female patients (P=0.005). Occurrence of the pulmonary-renal syndrome or extra-renal manifestations, such as sinusitis and skin rash, did not differ significantly among the two groups of patients with cANCA and pANCA.

CONCLUSION

Patients with pANCA present more frequently with RPGN, leading to a poorer renal survival compared to cases with cANCA. RPGN and pANCA are more common in females.

Familial occurrence of systemic vasculitis and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis

Two familial clusters of systemic vasculitis are described. In one family, microscopic polyangiitis and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis occurred in HLA-identical siblings; in the second family, 3 second- and fourth-degree related members were affected by Wegener's granulomatosis. Published clusters of systemic vasculitides and Goodpasture's syndrome are reviewed, and, together with the observed families, the evidence for genetic susceptibility and a causative role of environmental factors for these diseases with special emphasis on the HLA system is discussed.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated mucocutaneous allergic vasculitis with oral manifestations caused by propylthiouracil

A 49-year-old woman treated with increasing dosage of propylthiouracil (PTU) in order to control hyperthyroidism, developed progressive necrotic ulcers in the oral cavity, oropharynx and rhinopharynx and vasculitic ulcers on both auricular pinnae after a few days. The PTU treatment was immediately discontinued and the mucosal and skin manifestations resolved promptly. Laboratory findings, including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), suggested allergic vasculitis. This is to our knowledge the first reported case of oral manifestations of PTU-induced allergic vasculitis.

Wegener's granulomatosis in a patient receiving propylthiouracil for Graves' disease

CONTEXT

The use of propylthiouracil (PTU) in patients with Graves' disease has been associated with multiple complications including rash, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, pulmonary hemorrhage, glomerulonephritis, and the presence of perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA).

OBJECTIVES

To report the association of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) with the use of PTU in a patient with Graves' disease and to review the spectrum of systemic vasculitis seen in patients with Graves' disease taking PTU.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of data collected in a patient with WG. In addition, a Medline search (1980 to present) for PTU-associated vasculitis was conducted.

RESULTS

We report WG in a patient treated with PTU who fulfilled the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology for this disease. Furthermore, his serum was positive for cytosolic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (cANCA) and anti-proteinase-3 (PR3) antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. WG is associated with high morbidity and mortality and usually requires extensive therapy with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. Our patient, however, did not need specific therapy except discontinuation of PTU to make a full recovery. In previous reports, PTU has been associated with different forms of vasculitis, but this is a the first description of classic WG in a patient treated with PTU.

CONCLUSIONS

PTU is capable of causing WG in susceptible patients with Graves' disease. Our patient did not require specific therapy for vasculitis and improved after discontinuation of PTU.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis associated with antithyroid therapy in Graves' disease

Presented is a case of a 27-year-old male with Graves' disease on long-term propylthiouracil treatment who, when changed to carbimazole, rapidly developed a petechial and purpuric eruption on the legs, which subsequently flared on treatment with radioiodine. The clinical diagnosis of leucocytoclastic vasculitis was confirmed on skin biopsy. High-titre antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in a perinuclear pattern (P-ANCA) were identified. No anti-myeloperoxidase activity was noted; therefore, the P-ANCA were classified in the atypical group. The target antigens, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were lysozyme, lactoferrin and bactericidal/permeability increasing protein. Propylthiouracil and carbimazole are chemically related antithyroid drugs. There are reports of typical and atypical P-ANCA-positive cutaneous vasculitis due to propylthiouracil. Cutaneous vasculitis associated with atypical P-ANCA has not been noted previously to be temporally related to carbimazole use. The consideration of thionamides as possible aetiological agents in cases of P-ANCA-positive drug-induced vasculitis is suggested.

An Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody Associated with a Propylthiouracil-Induced adult Respiratory Distress-Like Syndrome: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

To report the first case of propylthiouracil-induced adult respiratory distress-like syndrome associated with the presence of an antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody.

METHODS

We describe the initial manifestations, laboratory findings, and clinical course in a patient and discuss underlying factors potentially contributing to her condition.

RESULTS

A 57-year-old woman with hyperthyroidism had an influenza-like illness and vasculitis during propylthiouracil therapy. Three days after she was admitted to the hospital, an adult respiratory distress-like syndrome developed. Results of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) and antimyeloperoxidase antibody studies were positive. Her condition improved after the introduction of glucocorticoid therapy and the withdrawal of propylthiouracil treatment. The pANCA level, however, remained unchanged 3 months after her dismissal from the hospital.

CONCLUSION

The propylthiouracil-induced adult respiratory distress-like syndrome may be a hypersensitivity phenomenon, and the presence of the pANCA could be a marker of a common mechanism of injury that stimulates its production rather than a pathogenic factor responsible for vascular injury in our patient.

Effect of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on serum levels of thyroid hormones in hyperthyroid patients with untreated Graves' disease

We performed a randomized, open prospective study to determine the effect of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha (OH)D3] on hyperthyroidism in patients with untreated Graves' disease. At the time of entry into the study, 30 patients were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 30 mg methimazole (MMI) (group A, n = 15) or the same dose of MMI supplemented with 1.5 micrograms 1 alpha (OH)D3 (group B, n = 15). These treatment regimens were continued for 24 weeks, and physicians were allowed to adjust MMI dosage during follow-up visits. Blood samples were collected, and serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), T3, T4, thyrotropin (TSH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and TSH-receptor antibody (TRAb) were determined. During the follow-up periods, all patients became euthyroid. The dose of MMI was not significantly different between these two groups. In contrast, decreases in mean serum FT3 and FT4 levels, as well as in mean serum T3 and T4 levels, were greater in group B. Correspondingly, the reciprocal increase in the mean TSH level was more prominent in group B. Mean TRAb levels did not differ between the two groups. Mean serum ALP levels in group B were significantly lower than in group A at 24 weeks. Thus, we suggest that concomitant administration of 1 alpha (OH)D3 is useful for treating hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' disease.