Abstract
Background: Animal studies have shown that some human monoclonal antibodies promote myelin repair in models of demyelinating disease. Scleromyxedema is a dermatologic disorder associated with a monoclonal gammopathy and neurologic manifestations. The reason for occurrence of cutaneous reactions in interferon treated patients is unknown. Case description: A 37-year-old woman was started on weekly interferon beta-1a (IFN beta-1a) following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). After having been on interferon therapy for three years, she developed skin lesions secondary to scleromyxedema. Her IFN beta-1a was discontinued and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was started for her scleromyxedema. At a six-month follow up, her skin lesions improved and there was no recurrence of neurologic symptoms. Conclusions: This is the first report of occurrence of scleromyxedema in a patient with MS. While this could be a chance association, it does raise the question if her neurologic manifestations could be secondary to scleromyxedema. Further research into the mechanism of IFN related cutaneous side effects is needed. Evidence regarding the remyelinating nature of human monoclonal antibodies raises interest in the potential therapeutic role these antibodies may have.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 85-86 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Multiple Sclerosis |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2004 |
Keywords
- Interferons
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Multiple sclerosis
- Scleromyxedema
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology