NEPHROTIC SYNDROME COMPLICATING ALPHA-INT ERFERON THERAPY

We report two cases of nephrotic syndrome with minimal glomerular chan ge complicating alpha-interferon therapy. Case reports: The first pati ent was a 60-year-old man with Waldenstrom's disease who was given 1 m illion units of alpha-interferon three times a week for 22 months, Acu te renal failure developed when a second protocol was started. Renal b iopsy revealed intraglomerular deposits and no cellular proliferation. Total remission could not be achieved with corticosteroids, The secon d case was a 46-year-old man given high dose alpha-interferon (15 mill ion units 3 times a week) for lymph node metastasis of a malignant mel anoma, A nephrotic syndrome without renal failure developed during the third month of treatment, Minimal glomerular involvement was seen, Sy mptomatic treatment led to resolution of the nephrotic syndrome. Discu ssion: Nine other cases of nephrotic syndrome complicating alpha-inter feron therapy have been reported in the literature.