J Korean Child Neurol Soc.
2000 Dec;8(2):342-346.
A Case of Cyclosporine A: Induced Encephalopathy in a Child with Nephrotic Syndrome
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University, School of Medicine, Chuncheon Sacred Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.
Abstract
- Cyclosporine A is the most frequently used immunosuppressive agent for prevention
of graft versus host disease (GVHD) and treatment of frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome
in childhood. Some adverse effects such as hepatic and renal toxicity, have been frequently
encountered. But central nervous system toxicity caused by cyclosporine A is rare, and the
incidence of encephalopathy among patients recieving cyclosporine A is unknown. Brain magnetic
resonance imaging is an essential tool for diagnosis of cyclosporine A neurotoxicity. It
typically demonstrates nonenhancing symmetric subcortical, and sometimes deep white matter
changes resembling edema with posterior hemisphere predominance. We report a child with
nephrotic syndrome who developed encephalopathy during cyclosporine A therapy. Based on
this study, we emphasize that careful follow up of patient's neurological finding is very
important to prevent serious life-threatening
complications.