Two cases of diabetes mellitus type 1 after alemtuzumab treatment for multiple sclerosis: another probable secondary autoimmune disease

Abstract

Alemtuzumab (ATZ) is an established highly effective treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) [1–3]. Secondary autoimmune disorders in MS patients treated with alemtuzumab have been reported in a frequency of about 40% for thyroid disorders, 3% for thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and below 0.3% for glomerulonephritis [4]. So far, one case of diabetes type 1 (T1D) as a possible secondary autoimmune disease following alemtuzumab treatment has been published [5]. We report on two patients who had an acute increase in their blood glucose level several months after the second course of alemtuzumab. In both cases, a diagnosis of T1D was made. In addition, thyroid disorders occurred in both cases over the course of time.