Acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation following an idiosyncratic reaction to Alemtuzumab (Campath 1H) or fludarabine

Abstract

Alemtuzumab (Campath 1H) is a recombinant DNA derived humanized monoclonal antibody which targets CD52 antigens on B and T cells. It is increasingly used as a conditioning agent for bone marrow transplantation. We describe the case of a 37 year old woman who developed acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) following one dose of Campath and Fludarabine. Campath was thought to be the most likely causal agent although Fludarabine alone or in combination with Campath cannot be excluded. Despite there being many documented side effects of Campath there are currently no reports in the literature of acute renal failure and DIC. The transplant had to be aborted and 9 months on the patient is still requiring dialysis twice a week.