Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports (Aug 2020)

The Use of Eculizumab in Tacrolimus-Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy

  • Jihad Ben Gabr MD,
  • Hiba Bilal MD,
  • Kanish Mirchia MD,
  • Andras Perl MD, PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2324709620947266
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (DITMA) is a secondary cause of thrombotic microangiopathy and a potentially fatal inflammatory disease. DITMA has been attributed to a variety of drugs, particularly chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents. Prompt diagnosis is critical for survival and treatment necessitates withdrawal of the offending drug; however, many cases require further treatment including plasmapheresis, immunosuppression, and anticoagulation. In this article, we report a cutaneous biopsy-proven case of tacrolimus-induced DITMA, which was successfully treated with eculizumab after failing the conventional standard of care.