Pembrolizumab related Guillain barre syndrome, a rare presentation in a patient with a history of lupus and bladder cancer

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related neurotoxicity causing Guillain Barre Syndrome is relatively uncommon. We discussed an 80-year-old patient with known systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with lower extremity weakness, areflexia and then progressed to respiratory muscle and upper extremity w...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vikram Sangani, Mytri Pokal, Mamtha Balla, Ganesh Prasad Merugu, Sreedhar Adapa, Srikanth Naramala, Venu Madhav Konala
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Greater Baltimore Medical Center 2021-05-01
Series:Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20009666.2021.1903133
Description
Summary:Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related neurotoxicity causing Guillain Barre Syndrome is relatively uncommon. We discussed an 80-year-old patient with known systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with lower extremity weakness, areflexia and then progressed to respiratory muscle and upper extremity weakness after receiving immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic bladder cancer. With the increasing use of immunotherapy for the management of cancer, awareness of neurological autoimmune side effects is essential. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated GBS can be severe and fatal if not diagnosed promptly. The hospitalists, neurologists, and oncologists should be aware of neurotoxicity related to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy requiring a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Prompt initiation of immunosuppressive therapy is required for the management of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related neurotoxicity.
ISSN:2000-9666