Rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis in a patient with Behcet's disease: successful treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide

Rheumatol Int. 2005 Sep;25(7):540-2. doi: 10.1007/s00296-005-0621-y. Epub 2005 Jun 29.

Abstract

We report a case of rapidly-progressive glomerulonephritis complicating Behcet's disease (BD). A 44-year-old male has suffered from recurrent oral ulcers and retinal vasculitis developed 2 years ago. He complained of abdominal pain and papulopustular skin lesions. Multiple ulcers were seen on the colon on colonoscopy. Routine renal work-up revealed heavy proteinuria and hematuria. Renal biopsy demonstrated crescentic glomerulonephritis. Most symptoms improved after steroid therapy, except for urinary abnormalities. At this point, intravenous monthly cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was undergone. After the sixth pulse therapy, proteinuria and hematuria were dramatically improved and renal function was well preserved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behcet Syndrome / complications*
  • Behcet Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Behcet Syndrome / therapy
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glomerulonephritis / drug therapy*
  • Glomerulonephritis / etiology
  • Glomerulonephritis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cyclophosphamide