Prophylactic eculizumab for kidney transplantation in a child with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome due to complement factor H mutation

Pediatr Transplant. 2014 Sep;18(6):E185-9. doi: 10.1111/petr.12290. Epub 2014 Jun 14.

Abstract

We present a case of successful deceased-donor kidney transplantation in a three-yr-old child with aHUS due to complement factor H mutation, using only prophylactic eculizumab treatment prior to transplant. She developed disease exacerbation in the immediate post-operative period despite having therapeutic eculizumab concentrations and evidence for complete complement pathway blockade. The patient responded well to additional doses of eculizumab and has maintained excellent graft function and disease control in the first year post-transplantation. The optimal dosing scheme for eculizumab in the perioperative period remains to be determined. More sensitive biomarkers of early disease activity are needed to improve disease monitoring. Finally, the duration of eculizumab therapy in patients with aHUS remains to be determined.

Keywords: atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome; complement factor H; eculizumab; pediatric kidney transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome / genetics*
  • Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome / surgery*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Complement Factor H / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Mutation

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Complement Factor H
  • eculizumab