Open AccessSuccessful immunomodulation in kidney transplant recipients with cytokine release syndrome after coronavirus disease
Author(s) -
Takamoto Daiji,
Sasaki Hajime,
Kataoka Hiroshi,
Kodama Fumihiro,
Higuchi Haruka,
Hirano Tetsuo,
Takada Yusuke,
Harada Shigeru,
Harada Hiroshi,
Tanaka Hiroshi
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
iju case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2577-171X
DOI - 10.1002/iju5.12492
Subject(s) - tocilizumab , medicine , cytokine release syndrome , cytokine , immunology , coronavirus , pneumonia , disease , immune system , covid-19 , immunotherapy , infectious disease (medical specialty) , chimeric antigen receptor
Patients with coronavirus disease, especially solid organ transplant recipients, are more susceptible to developing cytokine release syndrome than those with other viral infections. However, currently, treatment methods for such patients have not been established. Here, we describe two cases of successful immunomodulation in Japanese kidney transplant recipients with cytokine release syndrome following coronavirus disease. Case presentation Two patients who had been receiving long‐term immunosuppressant therapy developed coronavirus disease‐associated pneumonia caused by cytokine release syndrome, following immunosuppressant dosage reduction. However, they recovered immediately after administration of tocilizumab with or without dexamethasone. Conclusion The immunosuppressant dosage should be reduced to restore host immunity; however, immunomodulation should be considered in cases of suspected cytokine release syndrome.