Risk of Disseminated Gonococcal Infections With Terminal Complement Blockade. Issue 2 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Graciaa, Sara H.; Graciaa, Daniel S.; Yildirim, Inci; Chonat, Satheesh
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology. Volume 44:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: eculizumab -- complement -- paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria -- gonorrhea -- disseminated gonococcal infection; Pediatric hematology -- Periodicals; Tumors in children -- Periodicals; 618.9215
• DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-4114

Abstract

Abstract : Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder resulting in complement-mediated hemolysis. Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody against complement protein C5, has been shown to reduce both intravascular hemolysis and risk for thrombosis, and thereby improve the quality of life in these patients. While the infection risk from Neisseria meningitidis due to terminal complement blockade can be mitigated with appropriate immunizations and prophylactic antibiotics, these patients remain vulnerable to infections from Neisseria gonorrhoeae . Physicians and families should be aware of disseminated and severe gonococcal infections in patients receiving complement blockade, especially in this era of emerging cephalosporin and azithromycin resistance.