Vasculitis and antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies associated with propylthiouracil therapy

Lancet. 1993 Sep 11;342(8872):651-2. doi: 10.1016/0140-6736(93)91761-a.

Abstract

Vasculitis is a rare complication of propylthiouracil therapy. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been described in association with several vasculitic disorders. We report detection of ANCA against human neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3, and myeloperoxidase in serum from six patients who developed evidence of vasculitis during propylthiouracil treatment of hyperthyroidism. On withdrawal of the drug ANCA concentrations fell and clinical symptoms resolved completely.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Biomarkers
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / drug therapy
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Propylthiouracil / adverse effects*
  • Propylthiouracil / therapeutic use
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Autoantibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Propylthiouracil