Thalidomide in POEMS syndrome: case report

Am J Hematol. 2004 May;76(1):66-8. doi: 10.1002/ajh.20051.

Abstract

We report a patient with incapacitating POEMS syndrome characterized by serum monoclonal protein, polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, massive ascites formation, and pulmonary hypertension. A dramatic improvement in the clinical condition occurred after administration of thalidomide, a drug with known anti-angiogenetic, anti-proliferative, and anti-cytokine properties.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Exanthema / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • POEMS Syndrome / diagnosis
  • POEMS Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Thalidomide / administration & dosage
  • Thalidomide / adverse effects
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Thalidomide